Student Program Specialist Senior

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Specialist for Major Campus Programming at the University of Kentucky leads strategy, advising, and event management for large campus traditions and events, including Welcome Week, Labor Stay, Homecoming, and as primary advisor to DanceBlue.

The role collaborates with students, campus partners, vendors, and stakeholders to plan, implement, and assess high‑impact programs while supporting student leadership development; evening and weekend work is occasionally required.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Student Personnel, Higher Education, and/or other job-related field.
• 4 yrs of related experience.
• Evening and weekend work as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategist and advisor for major campus programming and events.
• Coordinate large campus traditions and events (Welcome Week, Homecoming, etc.).
• Collaborate with students, campus partners, vendors and stakeholders.
• Support departmental operations and leadership development.

Skills

Event management

Advising student leaders

Leadership

Student engagement

Education

MA

Masters degree in Student Personnel / Higher Education

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title

Student Program Specialist Senior

Requisition Number

RE55889

Working Title

Senior Specialist for Major Campus Programming

Department Name

1B430:Student Organizations and Activities

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Grade Level

45

Salary Range

$48,214-79,560/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

4 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Sitting and/or standing at workstation for extended periods; lifting and/or carrying light-weight objects. Walking to and from meetings and events.

Shift

40/week along with night and weekend hours as needed/required

Job Summary

The Senior Specialist for Major Campus Programming within the Office of Student Organizations and Activities (SOA) serves as a lead strategist, advisor, and event management professional responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing large-scale campus traditions, major events, and student engagement initiatives that enhance the student experience. This position provides leadership and oversight for major campus programming efforts, including Welcome Week (K Week), Labor Stay, Homecoming, and other campus-wide events, while serving as the primary advisor to DanceBlue and supporting student leadership development through meaningful involvement experiences.

The Senior Specialist collaborates with students, campus partners, vendors, and stakeholders to plan, implement, and assess high-impact programs that foster connection, leadership development, and campus engagement. In addition to advising student leaders and coordinating major programs, the Senior Specialist contributes to departmental operations, assessment efforts, strategic initiatives, and campus partnerships that advance SOA’s mission of supporting student organizations and creating transformative opportunities for student involvement, engagement, and success. 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

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Masters degree in Student Personnel, Higher Education, and/or other job-related field of study.

Deadline to Apply

10/12/2026

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 Constitutes 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.