Head of Programme Management

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.

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