Erin Upton-Cosulich
B2B & B2G Social Media Consultant
A Bit About Me
I’ve been working with B2B and B2G organizations since 2006. My job is to help them clearly communicate complex messages – in industries ranging from cyber security to healthcare to digital agriculture – so they can focus on winning business and implementing programs that make a big impact.
My clients partner with:
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federal agencies, like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services;
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bilateral organizations, like USAID and CDC;
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multilateral organizations, like the World Bank Group;
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private corporations and foundations, like ExxonMobil, Walmart, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.​
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How did I get into this business? First, I received a BA in Spanish and Government from Claremont McKenna College and an MA in Writing from Johns Hopkins University. For 15 years I’ve helped implement U.S. Government contracts in DC and abroad in roles ranging from finance manager to proposal editor to, finally, social media content creator.
Experience
December 2012 - Present
January 2013 - Present
March 2013 - January 2014
October 2011 - March 2013
December 2009 - October 2011
August 2008 - November 2009
December 2006 - August 2008
August 2005 - November 2006
August 2004 - May 2005
EDUCATION
Social Media Consultant for B2B Companies and USG Contractors. I create content that helps B2B companies and U.S. Government contractors attract and nurture high-quality leads, build authority, and beat their competition.
Freelance Editor/Writer (USAID, NASA, DOL, USDA, USFS, CDC, NIH). Edit and format reports, proposals, candidate profiles, success stories, and other communications products for contractors who work with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health.
Publications Manager, Tetra Tech. Managed the production of scientific reports and working papers under a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) climate change program. Coordinated responses to client input as each document went through an iterative process. Worked with authors to ensure that publications were timely, readable, and grammatically correct while still capturing technical particularities and specific recommendations. Performed desktop publishing duties (created electronic layouts and document templates based on USAID Graphics Standards Manual; inserted graphics, photos, and illustrations into documents; created and linked content list and indexes; and created tables and call-out boxes). Oversaw the work of freelance designers and editors. Upon transition to full-time freelancing, maintained this company as biggest client.
Communications Program Officer, International Budget Project. Led the maintenance, expansion, and promotion of website (WordPress CMS) and social media platforms. Coded bimonthly HTML newsletter; tracked rates for email opens, forwards, and clickthroughs. In preparation for the International Budget Project's (IBP's) global Open Budget Survey launch, oversaw the production of more than 100 publications in six languages. With input from technical experts, copyedited or substantively edited IBP case studies, reports, and web content for clarity of expression, completeness, adherence to internal style guide, and responsiveness to audience. Wrote easy-to-understand technical content for the IBP newsletter, website, blog, email blasts, and social media.
Editor, DAI. Edited and proofread proposals for style and consistency, ensuring professional products. Worked with technical experts to ensure that proposals were compelling and accurate. Ensured that publications were consistent with company brand message, business objectives, and style standards. Performed desktop publishing duties (formatted documents according to the USAID Graphics Standards Manual; inserted graphics, photos, and illustrations into documents; and created tables and call-out boxes).
Operations Manager, DAI (based in Caracas, Venezuela). Managed all financial and operational aspects of a $30-million USAID Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) project while living as an expatriate in Caracas, Venezuela. Supervised 22 Spanish-speaking Venezuelans in evaluating grant proposals, monitoring return on operational value, and managing a rotating inventory of grant agreements with local nongovernmental organizations. Outstanding contract performance resulted in a $4-million funding increase. Wrote and/or copyedited all project deliverables including reports and success stories. Ensured compliance with USAID contract and local business and labor laws in Venezuela.
Wolf Fellow / Project Coordinator, DAI. Received a $10,000 company fellowship to develop an index that measures the quality of local fiscal governance in developing countries. In Vietnam, produced index to assess fiscal transparency and accountability in local government with Vietnam’s Budget and Finance Department. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, served as Acting Deputy Chief of Party on a USAID project. In Equatorial Guinea, directed project start-up, monitored USAID contractual compliance, and liased with local agencies to ensure compliance with labor laws. In Venezuela, served as Acting Deputy Chief of Party on a USAID project; audited project finances and hiring and grants procedures.
Program Assistant, Pan American Development Foundation. Assisted in financial and contractual management of two USAID-funded cooperative agreements. Maintained MS Access database for tracking international donations, purchases, and shipments. In Argentina, coordinated project launches. In Colombia, performed needs analysis of underserved hospitals in three cities.
Writing Consultant, Center for Public Discourse at Claremont McKenna College. Nominated by professors from Spanish and Government departments to work at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. Helped students improve structure and clarity of written arguments in Spanish and English.
Master's degree, Writing, The Johns Hopkins University, 2015
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Bachelor's degree (dual), Government and Spanish, Claremont McKenna College, 2005