Program Coordinator II

Job Title Program Coordinator II Requisition Number RE54846 Department Name 81026: Food Connection 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 MA Required Related Experience 3 years Required License/Registration/Certification None Physical Requirements Sitting for long periods of time; intermittent standing; driving for extended periods; lifting, pushing and pulling objects up to 25lbs Shift Monday-Friday 8:00am-5pm; occasional evenings and weekends Job Summary The Martin‑Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Food Connection unit seeks a candidate with excellent communication, research, and project management skills to work collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders. The Program Coordinator II will cultivate relationships with farmers, processors, distributors, and buyers in Eastern Kentucky to enhance farm income and expand the presence of Kentucky‑grown food. The role collaborates with Central + West KY VCCs and existing partners to build local food‑system capacity across commodities such as produce, protein, small grains, dairy, and value‑added products, and regularly convenes meetings and site visits to promote sustainable and equitable value chains. Key Responsibilities Establish and maintain relationships with farmers, processors, distributors, and buyers in Eastern Kentucky. Collaborate with Central + West KY VCCs and existing partners to build local food‑system capacity. Coordinate activities across produce, protein, small grains, dairy, and value‑added product streams. Convene meetings and site visits with stakeholders to advance sustainable and equitable food chains. Support the Food Connection Team in initiatives that sustain a vibrant, healthy, and equitable local food economy. Qualifications Master’s degree (MA) required. Minimum 3 years of related experience. Strong communication, research, and project‑management skills. Knowledge of local food systems, supply chains, and regional agriculture. Proficiency in MS Windows and Excel. No supervisory responsibilities. Preferred Education/Experience Master’s degree preferred. Benefits Formal mentoring program. Access to a staff development fund. A dedicated Staff Recognition Program. A shared commitment to making the University of Kentucky the University of, for, and with Kentucky. Deadline to Apply 07/08/2026 Equivalencies Information Equivalencies information available at Our University Community 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. 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. The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. #J-18808-Ljbffr