About Me
I'm Sarah Yosten Collins — a born-and-raised East Texan who believes in the future of Texas and the power of stories to create connection and inspire change. As a communications professional with over a decade of experience, I’ve built my career helping organizations find their voice, connect with their audiences, and foster positive workplace cultures.
My passion for communications began with a love of writing and grew into a career spanning public relations, digital marketing, and brand strategy. Whether crafting social media campaigns, developing brand identities, or planning fundraising events, I thrive on creating strategies that elevate brands and bring people together.
At the heart of my work is the belief that stories connect us — to each other, to our communities, and to the missions that shape our lives. I’m passionate about using communications to strengthen company cultures, amplify voices, and make a lasting impact.
When I'm not behind a screen or brainstorming the next big campaign, you'll likely find me with my family, watching whatever sport or documentary is on, or crafting with friends.
EXPERIENCE
NEXT STEP COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
September 2023 - Present
Developed brand guidelines and templates to strengthen organizational identity and increase awareness, contributing to a unified and engaged workplace culture. Crafted, designed, and oversaw the maintenance of a comprehensive array of print and digital assets, encompassing newsletters, flyers, handouts, invitations, advertisements, reports, event materials, the Next Step website, and any other requisites vital to organizational objectives. Oversaw and implemented a strategy for the Next Step website, which resulted in a 15% increase in user traffic. Cultivated relationships with media contacts across the service area to ensure media coverage. Supervised media specialist who is responsible for implementing a new program. Served on the leadership team, contributing to company-wide policies aimed at enhancing workplace culture, and regularly communicated with the Board of Directors on marketing and cultural initiatives
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
September 2021 - August 2023
Planned and executed a new fundraising event that strengthened the organization's relationship with the community and brought in more than $30,000 in its first two years. Collaborated with cross-departmental teams to create integrated marketing campaigns that promoted services and fostered a cohesive internal culture aligned with the organization’s mission. Speak on behalf of Next Step and its programs for news interviews and community presentations
SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
September 2020 - Present
I helped grow the organization’s Facebook following by 147% annually and consistently increased Instagram engagement through strategic content planning and paid campaigns.
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EDITORIAL SPECIALIST & SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
November 2017 - August 2020
Worked with team members to create marketing campaigns for various departments. Handled all written digital and print content for the team’s clients, which includes social media, email marketing, direct mailers, brochures, magazine articles, web/SEO, press releases, etc. Trained and advised colleagues on social media best practices and trends. Continued to handle all responsibilities listed as the social media specialist.
SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
January 2016-November 2017
Strategized and restructured a content calendar to create a consistent social media presence which helped increase each platform’s followers and engagement. Increased followers on Facebook by 30%, Twitter by 44% and Instagram by 200% during the past three years. Create and manage content for the university’s main social media accounts, which includes writing, designing graphics, taking photos, and working with the media production team for videos. Track, analyze and provide reports on social media data. Oversee and assist with 30+ departmental social media pages. Developed protocols and guidelines for departmental social media accounts.
BROOKSHIRE GROCERY COMPANY
PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR
July-December 2015
Coordinated groundbreaking, grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Generated news releases, work with local chambers of commerce and city offices to ensure the participation of community leaders. Responded to inquiries from media as assigned. Assisted with publicity for events and other company newsworthy activities. Served on the committee for a new mentor program as the communications lead.
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
February 2013-July 2015
Wrote for and designed the internal company magazine, Off the Shelf. Created and managed daily content for internal social media pages. Sent company-wide emails, as well as posted to and managed company intranet. Designed communications for committees, campaigns and events. Was team leader for a year-long project that resulted in a $9.5 million sales increase. Planned and decorated company events. Assisted with photo needs.
ROBERTS AND ROBERTS
NEW CLIENT ASSISTANT
July 2011 - February 2013
Evaluated potential new client calls and emails to determine if suitable for the firm. Managed the firm’s social media accounts, as well as created and managed content for an email marketing campaign. Wrote for and designed quarterly newsletter. Managed all referred client matters. Collected data and created marketing reports every month.
EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS
2008-2011
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
Bachelor of Arts in mass communications, with an emphasis in public relations and advertising and a minor in sociology.
CERTIFICATIONS
SOCIAL MEDIA CERTIFIED
HubSpot Academy, 2020-2022
SKILLS
AP Style - Advanced
Adobe InDesign - Advanced
Adobe Photoshop - Proficient
Adobe Illustrator - Beginner
Microsoft Word - Advanced
Microsoft PowerPoint - Proficient