Description

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details Posting Details Job TitleStudent Program Specialist SrRequisition NumberRE52564Working TitleSenior Specialist for Leadership & ServiceDepartment Name1B430:Student Organizations and ActivitiesWork LocationLexington, KYGrade Level45Salary Range$47,278-78,000/yearType of PositionStaffPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired Education

MA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalenciesRequired Related Experience

4 yrs

Required License/Registration/CertificationNonePhysical RequirementsSitting at workstation for extended periods of time; repetitive motions typical of desk work (sitting/bending/twisting/pulling/typing); prolonged screen time; lifting/carrying/pulling objects up to 30lbs.Shift40 hours per week; Mostly Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm but there will be some evenings and weekends.Job SummaryThe University of Kentucky is seeking a dynamic and student-centered professional to join the Dean of Students area as a Student Program Specialist, Senior for Leadership & Service. This position plays a pivotal role in developing, coordinating, executing, and assessing high-impact leadership development and civic engagement initiatives that foster student belonging, self-awareness, and community connection.

The Student Program Specialist Senior provides vision and daily management for signature leadership and service programs including Alternative Service Breaks (ASB), the Leadership & Service Living Learning Program (LLP), UK 101 LLP course connections, MLK Day of Service, FUSION, Circle of Love, and related leadership and civic engagement programs and experiences. The position develops curriculum and training materials, supports student learning and reflection, creates and executes programming, and ensures all programs align with the mission and goals of the Dean of Students and the Office for Student Success.

This role serves as the primary staff support for the ASB student leaders, LLP peer mentors, and related Leadership and Service student staff. Responsibilities include recruitment, hiring, training, coaching, and performance management to support student leadership growth and high-quality program execution.

The Student Program Specialist Senior also coordinates assessment, data tracking, and reporting for leadership and service programs, including serving as the primary manager of GivePulse for the Student Engagement area. The role develops trainings and communication strategies to strengthen understanding and usage of the platform across campus, and uses assessment data to guide continuous improvement of leadership and service initiatives.

The position collaborates closely with campus partners, academic units, housing and residence life, and community agencies to support meaningful service experiences and smooth program operations. Additional responsibilities include supporting major Dean of Students and Student Success initiatives, assisting with campus-wide programs, and participating on committees as assigned.

The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator and collaborator who thrives in a student-focused environment, demonstrates a commitment to leadership education and community engagement, and is skilled in curriculum development, supervision, assessment, and program coordination.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 / Abilitiesstudent development and advising, leadership development, budgeting and fiscal management, program and project management, assessment and data reporting, curriculum design, event planning and execution, risk management, travel and logistics coordination, community and campus outreach, partnership building, supervision of student staff, training and facilitation, strong communication, collaboration, time management, problem-solving, and proficiency with platforms such as GivePulse, BBNvolved/Engage, LMS systems, and Microsoft Office.Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? NoPreferred Education/ExperienceMasters degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Development, or similar field plus 5 years of experience supporting student development and programs or customer service equivalency.Deadline to Apply01/04/2026Our University CommunityWe 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.

Posting Specific Questions

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Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

PI280529466