Student Program Specialist

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY is seeking a Student Programs Specialist to coordinate the Student Activities Board (SAB) within the Office of Student Organizations and Activities. This role advises student leaders, helps plan events, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with university policies while fostering campus engagement and meaningful programs.

The SAB Coordinator works with campus partners and vendors to deliver entertainment, educational, and recreational programs, with

Qualifications

• MA required or equivalent in higher education or related field.
• 1 year of related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Student Activities Board on event planning, risk management, budgeting, contracts, and marketing.
• Provide leadership and operational support to student leaders in planning and assessing campus programs.
• Support major campus programming initiatives and collaborate with campus partners, vendors, and student organizations.
• Evening and weekend work may be required to support student programs and events.

Skills

Student advising

Event planning

Project management

Education

MA

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title

Student Program Specialist

Requisition Number

RE55857

Working Title

Student Activities Board Coordinator

Department Name

1B430:Student Organizations and Activities

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Grade Level

43

Salary Range

$40,685-65,083/year

Type of Position

Staff

Position Time Status

Full-Time

Required Education

MA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

1 yr

Required License/Registration/Certification

None.

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs., standing and sitting for long periods of time, working major events, walking across campus.

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (40 hours/week).Occasional night and weekend work coverage may be necessary.

Job Summary

The Student Activities Board ( SAB ) Coordinator within the Office of Student Organizations and Activities ( SOA ) serves as the primary advisor for the Student Activities Board and a key contributor to campus engagement efforts. This position provides leadership, guidance, and operational support to student leaders as they plan, implement, and assess a wide range of campus programs, events, and traditions designed to enhance the student experience. The coordinator advises students on event planning, risk management, budgeting, contract negotiation, marketing, organizational operations, and leadership development while ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures. In collaboration with campus partners, vendors, and student organizations, this position supports the delivery of high-impact entertainment, educational, social, and recreational programs that foster connection and involvement across campus.

Additionally, the position supports major campus programming initiatives, contributes to departmental assessment and strategic planning efforts, and advances SOA’s mission of supporting student organizations and creating meaningful opportunities for student engagement and leadership development. Evening and weekend work is occasionally required in support of student programs and events.

Student Success will, from the time of early college outreach to graduation and beyond, support students in living a life of meaning and purpose. From a student-centered framework, our practice will be grounded in peer-reviewed literature, national best practices, and data-informed decision making. Collaborating with the campus and community, Student Success will work through a holistic lens to support a community of learners in achieving success.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Student advising, event planning, project management, etc.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

An ideal candidate will have obtained a Master’s level degree in Higher Education, and have related experience in higher education, event planning and management, student advising, etc.

Deadline to Apply

10/08/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.