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Posted June 30, 2026

Special Events Coordinator Senior

University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, United States 40502 Full Time
Reference: 285550646

University of Kentucky

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

Posting Details
Posting Details

Job Title Special Events Coordinator Senior
Requisition Number RE54966
Working Title Special Event Manager
Department Name 3DH41:Aux Services - University Events
Work Location Lexington, KY
Grade Level 44
Salary Range $43,805-70,075/year
Type of Position Staff
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education

BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies:
Required Related Experience

4 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Lift, push, and pull objects up to 50 pounds, sitting for long periods of time, walking across campus, climbing stairs,
Shift
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, additional hours may be needed to meet departmental needs
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Special Event Manager to serve as the operational lead for two of the University’s signature programs: Commencement and the College Business Management Institute (CBMI) Conference. This 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 position supports university-wide event and reservation management, develops and maintains operational procedures and documentation, oversees special projects, and contributes to continuous process improvement initiatives.
The ideal candidate will possess strong project management, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver exceptional event experiences in a fast-paced environment.

What You Will Do
  • Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the University’s Commencement ceremonies and the College Business Management Institute (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

What You Will Bring
  • 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

What Is In It for You
  • 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

You will join at an exciting time when your leadership, creativity, and operational expertise will have a direct and lasting impact on some of the University’s most important events.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in event management, conference services, or a related role, ideally within a higher education or similar setting.
Deadline to Apply 07/13/2026
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.


Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Please describe your experience in conference coordination, project management, and event and reservation management.

    (Open Ended Question)


Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents




    Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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