Rachel Banks Kupcho
Minneapolis
Summary
Results-driven leader with a proven track record in enhancing productivity and streamlining task execution. Expertise in strategic planning, process optimization, and leading high-performing teams. Strong communication and problem-solving skills that drive operational efficiency across management levels.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center
Minneapolis
05.2025 - 07.2025
- Streamlined internal processes to increase efficiency in organizational operations.
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration to achieve business goals.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing business operations.
- Assisted in budgeting process by evaluating costs and allocating resources appropriately.
- Evaluated existing systems and processes for effectiveness then proposed changes where necessary.
- Supervised the executive team, providing guidance on operational decisions.
- Implemented innovative solutions to improve overall productivity levels within the organization.
- Assisted in interviewing and hiring new staff.
- Facilitated the onboarding process for staff and volunteers of the organization.
- Participated in drafting policies and procedures to strengthen operations that furthered the mission of the organization.
- Utilized conflict resolution best practices to maintain positive working relationships among staff.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations and standards, completing all state and federal reports as needed.
- Established, implemented, and communicated administrative policies as needed.
- Prepared and maintained records and reports, personnel records, and training manuals.
- Advised leadership on organizational policy matters to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, recommending any needed changes.
- Identified areas for improvement within the organization's processes or services offerings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Human Resources Manager
Owamni
Minneapolis
05.2024 - 01.2025
- Developed, updated, and maintained detailed job descriptions, along with salary information for all roles at Owamni.
- Supported the recruitment process by sourcing, screening, and interviewing candidates, ensuring the process is thoroughly documented and follows company standards.
- Developed and implemented season hiring guidelines and strategies.
- Designed, delivered, and tracked training for staff, focusing on key skills and organizational requirements outlined by the Owamni Leadership team.
- Established onboarding protocols and monitored to ensure smooth integration of new hires into the organization.
- Measure and monitor staff turnover and make recommendations as needed to Leadership.
- Supported Leadership in the performance improvement process, providing guidance to Leadership and support for coaching and disciplinary conversations.
- Ensured performance improvement process follows company and legal requirements.
- Implemented and supported ongoing recognition and staff appreciation programs.
- Oversaw the Unemployment Claim process and represented Owamni in all required hearings.
- Developed and administered merit increase strategies, including the review and performance evaluation process to align with pay-for-performance practices, as requested by Leadership.
- Provided ongoing support for employee benefit programs, including health insurance and other support services.
- Utilized Indian Health Board (IHB) and/or Native American Community Clinic (NACC) when appropriate.
- Assisted in the development and administration of health and safety policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with company, local, state and federal regulations.
- Ensured all required staff are Food Safety Certified, training documented, and renewals completed as the recertification schedule requires.
- Collaborated with Leadership to draft and distribute staff communications related to policies, procedures, benefits, recognition, and general organizational information.
- Acted as a point of contact for employee inquiries regarding HR policies and benefits.
Human Resources Manager
Native American Community Clinic
Minneapolis
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Supported department/clinical management staff in setting clear expectations and accountabilities, including talent acquisition, staffing, employment processing, compensation, health and welfare benefits, training and development, records management, safety and health, employee relations and retention, and compliance.
- Supported executive management team by providing HR advice, counsel, and decisions; analyzing information and situations from a compliance/HR perspective.
- Developed and administered NACC’s human resource policies, procedures, and practices in accordance with the organizational objectives and relevant legal requirements.
- Coordinated the hiring process, including conducting background and reference checks, negotiating salary offers, and issuing job confirmation letters and other internal communication.
- Responsible for coordinating/conducting employee-relations activities and programs, including employee counseling, interpretation of policies, orientation and recognition.
- Coordinated administration of workers’ compensation and unemployment claims.
- Assisted in administration of company compensation and benefits programs.
- Responded to inquiries regarding NACC’s processes, policies, procedures, and programs.
Development/Operations Manager
Indigenous Peoples Task Force
Minneapolis
02.2022 - 05.2023
- Responsible for all fundraising activities including grant writing, annual fund campaign and seasonal giving such as End of Year and Give to the Max Day and reporting to funders.
- Developed and maintained a robust donor relations database.
- Collaborated with lead staff on funding proposals to foundations and government agencies.
- Recruited and assisted in interviewing, hiring and onboarding new staff.
- Drafted policies and procedures and strengthened and aligned operations with mission.
- Utilized conflict resolution best practices to maintain positive working relationships.
- Ran payroll on a temporary basis in between accounting firms.
- Coordinated internal financial activities in partnership with an accounting firm.
- Routed invoices and remittances to accounts receivable and payable, and made bank deposits.
- Established procedures for financial records and maintained accurate records.
- Prepared financial or regulatory reports and audits, in conjunction with accounting firms.
Native Engagement Director
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
St. Paul
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Designed and implemented a voter contact program in Native American communities for national election, in partnership with tribal leaders.
- Provided statewide training for vote by mail, relational organizing, and voting entire ballot.
- Recruited and managed volunteer Get Out the Vote teams in tribal and urban communities.
- Partnered with grasstop organizations to engage voters and provide resources.
- Collaborated with voter protection and field teams to break down barriers to participation.
- Worked to support Indigenous candidates running for office.
Native Engagement Director
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
St. Paul
09.2018 - 12.2018
- Developed and implemented a statewide Native Engagement Program in 57 days.
- Increased new voter registration in urban and tribal areas.
- Worked with tribal leadership and government affairs staff on developing GOTV plans.
- Managed early voting issues in partnership with the Secretary of State’s office.
Political Coordinator
Walz for Governor/Flanagan for Lt. Governor
St. Paul
07.2018 - 09.2018
- Coordinated community roundtables on human trafficking and urban American Indian concerns.
- Served as liaison between campaign and urban Native communities.
Child Protection Investigator
Hennepin County
Minneapolis
06.2017 - 11.2017
- Conducted assessments of alleged child maltreatment and made determinations of maltreatment in collaboration with community-based partners.
- Promoted utilization of culturally relevant community resources and support for families.
Family Services Supervisor
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians
Onamia
09.2016 - 06.2017
- Oversaw child protection investigations, case management, Indian Child Welfare Act cases and supervised 15 social workers and support staff.
- Monitored all court-related activities - appearances, permanency planning and court reports.
Disposition Advisor
Office of the Public Defender
St. Paul
10.2013 - 09.2016
- Initiated evaluations, treatment referrals and other services necessary for the formulation of alternative sentencing/disposition recommendations.
- Prepared comprehensive social histories through client interviews, collateral contacts, and pertinent records review.
- Presented recommendations for sentencing alternatives to Courts in written memoranda, sworn testimony and/or court communication.
Education
Certificate - Human Resources
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY12.2025
M.P.A. - Public Administration
Hamline University
St. Paul, MN12.2012
B.A. - Social Work
St. Olaf College
Northfield, MN12.1999
Skills
- Human resources management
- Employee training and development
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Project management methodologies
- Staff recruitment and onboarding
- Policy development and implementation
Activities
- Director, Richfield Public School Board of Education, 2021 - Present
- Volunteer, Moms Demand Action, 2019 - 2021
- Instructor, Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, 2011 - 2021
Affiliations
- Richfield Public Schools Board of Education Director: January 2021 - December 2025
Timeline
Director of Operations
Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center
05.2025 - 07.2025
Human Resources Manager
Owamni
05.2024 - 01.2025
Human Resources Manager
Native American Community Clinic
06.2023 - 11.2023
Development/Operations Manager
Indigenous Peoples Task Force
02.2022 - 05.2023
Native Engagement Director
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
01.2020 - 12.2020
Native Engagement Director
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
09.2018 - 12.2018
Political Coordinator
Walz for Governor/Flanagan for Lt. Governor
07.2018 - 09.2018
Child Protection Investigator
Hennepin County
06.2017 - 11.2017
Family Services Supervisor
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians
09.2016 - 06.2017
Disposition Advisor
Office of the Public Defender
10.2013 - 09.2016
Certificate - Human Resources
Cornell University
M.P.A. - Public Administration
Hamline University
B.A. - Social Work
St. Olaf College
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