Director of Gatton Student Center

Job Title
Director of Gatton Student Center

Requisition Number
RE55234

Working Title

Department Name
3DH40:Aux Services - Student Center

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
50

Salary Range
$83,283-141,565/year

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

MA

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

Required Related Experience

7 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Lift, push, pull up to 50 lbs, sit for extended periods of time

Shift

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM ; as exempt employee required to work additional hours as needed to meet departmental needs

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky’s Gatton Student Center is seeking a dynamic Director to uphold and advance its reputation as a world-class facility known for exceptional customer service and high-quality operations. This role plays a key part in elevating the University’s national profile and directly supports student retention, success, and overall experience. The Director oversees the comprehensive management of the 438,000-square-foot Gatton Student Center, including fiscal responsibility for a $15 million annual budget.

This position provides strategic leadership in human resources, supervises all Gatton Student Center staff, and ensures the delivery of programs that enrich student life and promote holistic development. The Director also advises on regulatory, and policy matters, leads strategic planning and capital project oversight for both the Gatton Student Center and associated facilities, and fosters collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to support contractual agreements and university initiatives.

What You Will Bring

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing large, complex facilities, student centers, or comparable multi-functional operations.
• Strong knowledge of budget management, strategic planning, facilities operations, organizational leadership, and project management.
• Experience leading large teams with a commitment to staff development, employee engagement, and organizational excellence.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively across broad stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to develop strategic initiatives, manage complex operations, and lead organizational change.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Experience managing capital projects, operational planning, and contractual relationships while ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• A commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

What Is In It for You

Meaningful impact: Lead one of the University’s most visible campus facilities while directly enhancing the student experience and supporting student success.

Strategic leadership: Shape the future of the Gatton Student Center through innovation, operational excellence, and long-term planning.

Professional growth: Expand your leadership experience through budget management, strategic planning, facilities oversight, capital projects, and organizational leadership.

Collaborative environment: Partner with campus leaders, students, faculty, staff, and external organizations to deliver exceptional programs, services, and experiences.

Variety and challenge: Lead collaborative initiatives for financial stewardship, personnel management, strategic planning, and campus partnerships.

Comprehensive benefits: Enjoy competitive compensation, outstanding benefits, and opportunities for continued professional development and career advancement at the University of Kentucky.

You will join a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional customer service, fostering student engagement, maintaining a world-class campus destination, and creating meaningful experiences that support the success and well-being of the University of Kentucky community.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
08/07/2026

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.