Rodney Saunders, Jr.

Experience

• 

  Davidson College

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2013

  HR Assistant

  As a work study student with the Human Resources office, in addition to covering the front desk/phone and handling confidential documents, I served as writer, director, casting director, cameraman, actor and co-editor for various videos intended for new employee orientation/on-boarding purposes, including Worker’s Compensation and Drug-Free policies.

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  Penumbra Theatre Company

  Jul 2012 - Aug 2012

  Summer Institute Intern

  Served as a mentor and leader for teenaged Activist Artists engaged in theatre for social change. Summer Institute included a full range of courses, including African-based movement, advanced acting, experimental theatre, creative writing and scenic design. Students and interns alike participated in all coursework, in addition to hands-on community based theatre. This four-week, 8 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday intensive camp culminated in a student written and performed show, featuring a series of monologues about social justice topics of the students' choices. Show less

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  Capstone Consultants

  Oct 2013 - Dec 2013

  Account Manager

  • Worked towards building a team through training and interviewing future leaders while moving towards assistant management in direct marketing.• Learned and applied original business techniques and tactics to achieve internal goals and manage external customers’ needs.• Developed excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills.

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  Argix Logistics

  Feb 2014 - Apr 2014

  Supervisor of Operations

  • Oversaw inbound and outbound operations of freight processing to and from over 15 major retail clients and customers.• Regulated manpower in order to maximize production and minimize freight recirculation.• Reported all discrepancies to the Manager of Operations.

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  Community Support Network, Inc.

  Jun 2014 - Aug 2015

  Supported Employment Specialist

  • Assisted clients with developmental disabilities and delays in everyday activities and functions.• Served as an occupational Job Coach for off-site positions held by clients part-time.• Documented abnormal/counterproductive client behavior and incidents and reported to Case Managers.• Met with Directors weekly to discuss the betterment of clients’ lives while in our care.• Planned weekly American Sign Language lessons to incorporate into daily work routines.

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  Kohl's Department Stores

  Feb 2015 - Dec 2015

  Sales Floor Associate

  • Advised and assisted customers on choosing and locating desired merchandise.• Recovered department to a neat and organized state.• Responded to backup calls at the point of sale, minimizing customers’ wait time to check out.

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  Catholic Charities of Madison, Wisconsin

  Sept 2015 - Apr 2021

  • Coordinated physical and mental health care for youth with developmental delays and disabilities.• Maintained confidential records pertaining to client care and interactions, in regulation with Chapter 51 of Wisconsin State legislature and in compliance with the state Department of Children and Families.• Supervised and counseled Home Coordinator, Advanced YSS, and Youth Support Specialists providing direct care. • Developed, implemented, and delegated protocols for direct care staff to follow. Show less

  • Program Manager (Housing Navigation Services)

    Jun 2019 - Apr 2021

  • Program Manager (Community Living Program)

    May 2018 - Jun 2019

  • Home Coordinator

    Dec 2015 - Apr 2018

  • Youth Support Specialist

    Sept 2015 - Dec 2015
• 

  Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  Apr 2021 - now

  Chief policy and program officer for employee engagement, equity and inclusion, and workforce planning programs. Responsible for providing research, policy analysis, and guidance to the Administrator’s Office for the Division of Budget and Strategic Initiatives and the Director of the Office of Workforce Development on orders, requirements, and efforts related to assigned program areas. Provide project management responsibilities over assigned areas and serve as the central point of contact for the divisions/offices on the agency’s Equity and Inclusion Plan. Responsible for drafting papers, reports, and plans related to agency initiatives, as well as preparing and delivering presentations for senior leaders in the agency. Show less WisDOT's first-ever chief policy and program officer for equity, inclusion and workforce planning programs. Provide research, policy analysis and guidance on orders, requirements, and efforts related to equity and inclusion impacting the department. Primary point of contact with project management oversight of WisDOT’s Equity and Inclusion Plan. Work closely with the Office of the Secretary, Division of Budget and Strategic Initiatives, Human Resources, Affirmative Action Advisory Committee and the WisDOT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee to ensure established goals and strategies are carried out. Show less

  • Employee Engagement Officer

    Sept 2023 - now

  • Equity, Inclusion, and Workforce Program Manager

    Apr 2021 - Sept 2023