Alayne Benson

Alayne Benson is the Communications Specialist for the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) COMET Program. She is an experienced communicator and learning designer with a passion for creating content that sparks curiosity and inspires positive action.

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I love creating content. I love the thrill of inspiration that sparks from hours of musings and research. I love sharing my creations with the world—and I even love iterating based on constructive feedback. I’m a writer, editor, and content creator with a lifelong passion for learning and breaking life’s constraints.

Make it stand out

Recent Work Experience

Communications Specialist II

2023 – Current

As the first communications specialist for the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) COMET Program, I built the organization’s external communications strategy from the ground up. I create and manage all of COMET’s social media platforms, digital media, marketing assets, and more.

AI Communications and Outreach Coordinator

2020 – Current

I create and manage all communications and outreach efforts for the National Science Foundation AI Institute for Student-AI Teaming at CU Boulder. I create and maintain the Institute’s website and social media accounts, brand, messaging, and community-building outreach efforts.

 

Associate Learning Architect

2019 – 2020 / 2016 – 2018

I created effective and engaging Social Studies and ELA content for K–12 students and teachers at one of the leading educational publishing companies in the United States. This work included conducting UX reviews, creating storyboards, assets, and writing educational content for middle and high school textbooks. The work was so nice I did it twice!

 

Employee Communications Specialist

2018 – 2019

I increased engagement of an aerospace company’s intranet content, events, and activities through clever copy and captivating stories. I helped lead editorial calendars meetings with the marketing and communications department to create short- and long-term content strategies. I also analyzed internal metric to optimize branded content across multiple channels.

History Instructor

2016

While working full time at a K–12 publishing company, I taught evening history courses at the University of Central Florida. I designed lectures and course materials with the goal of increasing my students’ awareness of history’s impact on all of us.

Communications and Development Manager / Volunteer Coordinator

2014 - 2016

I created the Communications Manager position after identifying a gap in a museum’s external and internal communications, and I dedicated myself to crafting a stronger brand for the museum. I revamped all of its communications strategies, including the docent-led tour and museum video scripts, social media and PR guidelines, newsletters, radio spots, website content, brochures, and more.

Certifications

 

Certified Digital Marketing Professional

Certified April 2021 by the American Marketing Association through the Digital Marketing Institute

Content Marketing Certified

Certified November 2020 by HubSpot

Design Thinking for Leading and Learning

Certified June 2018 by edX

Volunteer Management

Certified October 2014 by Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College

Writer, editor, communicator, and former educator driven to spark curiosity and inspire action. 10+ years of experience in content development with a focus on external and internal communications and learning design. Well-versed in numerous content and learning management systems, website and intranet platforms, project management software, and design tools. Excellent problem solving and project management skills. Content Marketing, Digital Marketing, and Design Thinking certified.