SARAH COPLESTON
Chatham ,UK
Summary
I’m an accomplished communications and celebrity and influencer relations professional with a strong track record of delivering high‑impact charity campaigns. I specialise in strategic celebrity and influencer engagement, creating compelling storytelling opportunities that drive awareness, influence change, raise funds and have lasting impact, whilst building authentic, mutually beneficial relationships with talent.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Influencer Relations Officer
Mind
London, UK
2023.01 - 2026.04
- Lead on influencer‑ and celebrity‑led activity to amplify Mind’s work, including identifying, securing and nurturing relationships with celebrities, influencers, agents, publicists and journalists, with a strong focus on building long‑term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Devise and deliver strategic approaches to identifying and engaging digital influencers, enabling Mind to reach new, diverse and previously untapped audiences in support of the charity’s mission.
- Proactively identify, assess and manage reputational risk across all celebrity and influencer activity, ensuring Mind’s values, integrity and public reputation are protected at all times.
- Develop and coordinate bespoke engagement opportunities for new and existing ambassadors and high‑profile supporters, aligning charitable objectives with supporter interests while remaining responsive to emerging social‑media trends.
- Collaborate closely with teams across the organisation — including Media, PR, Corporate Partnerships, Policy and Fundraising — to deliver cohesive and impactful celebrity‑led campaigns.
- Support the line management and development of the Influencer Relations Assistant, contributing to team growth, performance and professional development.
Filming Project Manager
Battersea
London, UK
2022.02 - 2023.03
- Led on all activity and management of external production crews and internal Battersea teams to coordinate and manage all filming for Series 11 of the multi‑award‑winning ITV programme Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs.
- Worked closely with on‑screen talent and the production team to support presenter requirements, including dressing‑room logistics, site transport and the filming of promotional content.
- Briefed and supported Battersea spokespeople at all levels — from junior staff to senior directors — ensuring confidence, clarity and alignment with organisational messaging during filming.
- Collaborated with ITV’s press team to develop and deliver a media plan to support and promote the series.
- Initiated and attended editorial meetings to facilitate filming schedules and contribute to story development.
- Ensured strong and accurate representation of Battersea, positioning the organisation as a world leader within the animal‑welfare sector.
- Managed ongoing production queries during filming and post‑production, including editorial and edit‑related requests.
- Oversaw the collection and management of publicity imagery and filming consent documentation to support future PR and media activity.
- Proactively managed and resolved conflicts of interest between Battersea and the production team, maintaining positive working relationships and protecting organisational priorities.
Communications Officer
Battersea
London, UK
2018.01 - 2022.01
- Played a key role in the day‑to‑day running of a busy press office, supporting the planning and delivery of national and international trade, consumer and broadcast media coverage.
- Researched and wrote press releases and statements for targeted media, responding both proactively and reactively to news opportunities.
- Identified and engaged celebrity supporters to help amplify the charity’s work across traditional news and social media channels.
- Supported crisis communications activity during periods of adverse coverage, contributing to rapid, clear and sensitive responses.
- Planned and coordinated logistics for media stunts, events and photoshoots, ensuring smooth delivery and maximum media impact.
- Analysed media coverage and produced monthly evaluation reports to track performance and inform future activity.
- Created clear, comprehensive media briefings for spokespeople, including senior leaders and CEO‑level representatives.
- Identified, developed and managed compelling case studies for use across press, marketing, digital and fundraising communications.
Press Officer
St John Ambulance
London, UK
2017.01 - 2018.01
- Played a key role in supporting the delivery of national campaigns, including writing press releases and pitching stories to broadcast, print and online media.
- Supported crisis communications during periods of adverse coverage, contributing to timely, sensitive and effective responses.
- Proactively and reactively secured media coverage across a wide range of national titles, including broadcast and traditional media outlets.
- Conducted targeted celebrity outreach to maximise awareness and coverage of national campaigns.
- Managed and updated social‑media channels, including Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram, with relevant, engaging campaign content.
- Analysed media coverage and produced monthly reports to track performance and inform future communications activity.
- Built and maintained strong working relationships with key journalists, editors, producers and celebrity contacts.
Marketing and Communications Assistant
Climate-KIC
London, UK
2016.09 - 2016.12
PR and Content Assistant
The House Shop
London, UK
2016.01 - 2016.08
PR Intern
Little Red Rooster PR
Twyford
2014.01 - 2015.01
Education
BA (Hons) - Comparative literature, Culture and English
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham, Surrey 2012.09 - 2015.06
A-Levels -
The Hundred of Hoo Secondary School
2004.01 - 2011.01
Skills
- Talent management
- Talent strategy
- Celebrity and influencer relations
- Crisis communications
- Media pitching
- Media management
- Spokesperson briefing
- Media training
- Media strategy
- Crisis communications
- Experience with crm systems
- Stakeholder management
- Line management
- Time management
REFERENCES
References will be available upon request
Timeline
Senior Influencer Relations Officer
Mind
2023.01 - 2026.04
Filming Project Manager
Battersea
2022.02 - 2023.03
Communications Officer
Battersea
2018.01 - 2022.01
Press Officer
St John Ambulance
2017.01 - 2018.01
Marketing and Communications Assistant
Climate-KIC
2016.09 - 2016.12
PR and Content Assistant
The House Shop
2016.01 - 2016.08
PR Intern
Little Red Rooster PR
2014.01 - 2015.01
BA (Hons) - Comparative literature, Culture and English
Royal Holloway, University of London
2012.09 - 2015.06
A-Levels -
The Hundred of Hoo Secondary School
2004.01 - 2011.01