Special Events Coordinator Senior

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Special Events Coordinator Senior to serve as the operational lead for two of the University’s signature programs:
Commencement and the College Business Management Institute (CBMI) Conference. The position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing large-scale events and conferences, managing logistics, stakeholder communications, vendor relationships, registration processes, and on‑site operations. The manager collaborates with university departments, external partners, and event committees to ensure seamless event experiences for students, faculty, staff, and conference attendees. In addition, the role supports university‑wide event and reservation management, develops and maintains operational procedures and documentation, oversees special projects, and contributes to continuous process improvement initiatives.

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the University’s Commencement ceremonies and the CBMI Conference.
• Develop comprehensive event plans, timelines, and operational logistics for large‑scale events and conferences.
• Coordinate with university departments, vendors, sponsors, and external partners to ensure successful event delivery.
• Manage event registration processes, attendee communications, and customer service before, during, and after events.
• Oversee on‑site event operations, troubleshoot issues, and ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
• Support university‑wide event scheduling and reservation management processes.
• Lead special projects and contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency.
• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders while delivering exceptional customer service.

• Experience in event management, conference planning, project management, hospitality, or a related field.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex events simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience coordinating vendors, contracts, logistics, and event operations.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities.
• High attention to detail with a commitment to delivering exceptional event experiences.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism.

• Meaningful impact:
  Lead two of the University’s most visible and celebrated signature events.
• Dynamic work:
  Coordinate a wide variety of conferences, ceremonies, and special projects that engage the campus community.
• Professional growth:
  Expand your expertise in event management, project leadership, and strategic operations.
• Collaborative environment:
  Work alongside dedicated campus partners and leadership to deliver memorable experiences.
• Variety and challenge:
  Every event presents new opportunities to innovate, solve problems, and make a lasting impact.
• Comprehensive benefits:
  Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career development at the University of Kentucky.

• High school diploma or equivalent, with a preference for a Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years in event management, conference services, or a related role; 3‑5 years of experience in higher education or a similar setting is preferred.
• No supervisory responsibilities.
• Physical requirements:
  
  Ability to lift, push, and pull objects up to 50 pounds; sitting for long periods; walking across campus; climbing stairs.

• Location:
  
  Lexington, KY
• Salary Range: $43,805–$70,075 per year.
• Position Type:
  Staff
• Time Status:
  Full‑Time
• Salary Grade: 44
• Final date to receive applications: 07/13/2026

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

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination and provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations.