Sara Cottle
Environmental and science communications · Climate Focus
Washington, D.C., DC
In My Own Words
Over 10 years of experience in editing and strategic communications (design, marketing, advertising + PR), with a foundational background in journalism, and focus on environmental and science communication, makes me an agile and collaborative expert in my field.
I approach my work with a tactical mind and creative heart. Metrics and process guide me, but the ability to execute an array of multimedia allows me to be a better storyteller and project manager. I am most passionate about cultivating positive change and fostering our human relationship with the natural world through storytelling and science.
You can connect with me online and view some of my work at saracottle.com.
Work Experience
Environmental Communications Specialist
Climate Focus2021 – Present
An international advisory company committed to developing policies and projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help us adapt to the consequences of a changing climate. I manage all of our external communications, including social, PR, and newsletter; internal communications, including strategy, metrics, and cross-office and discipline content; and design, campaign, and outreach needs on a project basis. Notable accomplishments: A total website redesign which included creating measurable metrics aligned with European GDPR law
Senior Marketing Strategist
Can-Do Ideas2020 – 2021
An inbound marketing agency. Client industries include agriculture, engineering, hospitality, finance, and more. I managed multiple client relationships and a team of authors. I led content creation and campaign strategy meeting marketing goals. I managed and optimized CMS and CRM workflows and tracked and analyzed results. Notable accomplishments: Increasing online sales by 400% in less than a year
Operations Coordinator
Exposure Labs2019 – 2020
A film and impact production company. I played a strategic role in supporting the impact campaign for Chasing Coral (Netflix), focusing on impact stories and community, youth, and donor engagement. Notable Accomplishments: Creating a dashboard and organizational system for logging and tracking impact; Creating a monthly newsletter highlighting the best impact stories to inspire action; Streamlining donation processes; Strategic planning on World Oceans Day, Earth Day and Climate Strike campaigns
Digital Engagement Coordinator
CU Boulder Environmental Center2018 – 2020
The center focuses on fostering sustainability through promoting sustainable behavior and education. I focused on educating fellow staff on how to shape messages, coordinate between multiple departments to keep a consistent brand and messaging on digital channels and educate and connect with students and the bigger community. I also volunteered to sort recycling and compost, helping the university reach zero waste goals. Notable Accomplishments: Created a content strategy; Trained students to execute social content; Increased social media engagement and following (by 30%); Got multiple branches of the center on the same page under one consistent brand
Douglas M. Lapp Endowment
Smithsonian Science Education Center2019 – 2019
A unit of the Smithsonian Institution solely dedicated to formal preK-12 science education reform. I was part of writing a global science curriculum for multiple modules that supports and incorporates UN Sustainable Development Goals and furthers the nature of science. A specific addition to the curriculum was incorporating podcasting as a means of scientific communication. Creating the curriculum included: coordination across multiple Smithsonian departments, with researchers, scientists, teachers, and community leaders around the globe, writing, editing, research, design, interviews, video, and photography as well as running a workshop helping to prepare teachers to implement the curriculum into their classrooms. Notable Accomplishments: Wrote 3 science education modules aligning with SDGs; Wrote a reader on 'Pollinators'; Planned and implemented a curriculum workshop
