Strategic Travel Operations Director

Southern University Shreveport, Inc; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern University and A&M College seeks a Director of Travel Operations to lead the university's travel programs, ensure compliance, and optimize processes across departments while coordinating with the Louisiana Division of Administration. The role supervises Travel Operations staff, develops policies, and advises senior leadership on travel strategies.

The position oversees travel authorizations, reimbursements, and CBA program operations, ensuring accurate financial documentation and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in travel operations, financial administration, regulatory compliance, or a related administrative field.

Responsibilities

• Travel Program Administration & Oversight: Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of all University travel programs, services, and operations to ensure efficiency, accountability, and compliance with institutional policies.
• Travel Program Administration & Oversight: Supervise the Travel Manager and Travel Operations personnel, establishing departmental goals, performance expectations, and operational standards.
• Travel Program Administration & Oversight: Develop, implement, and maintain University travel policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations.
• Travel Program Administration & Oversight: Evaluate travel operations and identify opportunities for process improvements, operational efficiency, and enhanced customer service.
• Travel Program Administration & Oversight: Ensure effective coordination of travel-related activities across University departments and administrative units.
• Travel Authorization, Reimbursement & Compliance Oversight: Oversee the processing, review, and approval of travel authorizations, reimbursements, and related financial documentation.
• Travel Authorization, Reimbursement & Compliance Oversight: Review and approve travel-related requests, supporting documentation, and policy exceptions within established authority.
• Travel Authorization, Reimbursement & Compliance Oversight: Ensure compliance with University and Southern University System policies, Louisiana state travel regulations, and applicable funding requirements.
• Travel Authorization, Reimbursement & Compliance Oversight: Investigate and resolve complex travel-related issues, reimbursement discrepancies, and compliance concerns.
• Travel Authorization, Reimbursement & Compliance Oversight: Establish and monitor quality control procedures to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of travel transaction.
• State Travel Liaison & Regulatory Compliance: Serve as the University's primary liaison to the Louisiana Division of Administration, Office of State Travel, regarding travel policies, regulations, and compliance matters.
• State Travel Liaison & Regulatory Compliance: Interpret and communicate state travel regulations and institutional policies to University leadership, faculty, staff, and departmental representatives.
• State Travel Liaison & Regulatory Compliance: Review and approve official travel correspondence, waiver requests, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• State Travel Liaison & Regulatory Compliance: Represent the University during travel-related audits, compliance reviews, and inquiries from state agencies and external organizations.
• State Travel Liaison & Regulatory Compliance: Monitor changes in state travel regulations and recommend updates to University policies and procedures to maintain compliance.
• Central Billed Account (CBA) Program Oversight: Direct and oversee the administration of the University's Central Billed Account (CBA) travel card program.
• Central Billed Account (CBA) Program Oversight: Review travel card reconciliations, expenditure reports, compliance documentation, and exception activity to ensure accurate financial accountability.
• Central Billed Account (CBA) Program Oversight: Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard University funds and prevent unauthorized or improper travel expenditures.
• Central Billed Account (CBA) Program Oversight: Coordinate with Accounting, Accounts Payable, and other University departments to ensure accurate reconciliation and processing of travel-related transactions.
• Central Billed Account (CBA) Program Oversight: Investigate and resolve escalated travel card issues, transaction discrepancies, and compliance concerns.
• Athletics & Human Jukebox Band Travel Support: Provide oversight of travel operations and regulatory compliance for University Athletics and the Human Jukebox Band Program.
• Athletics & Human Jukebox Band Travel Support: Collaborate with designated departmental liaisons to ensure travel authorizations, expenditures, and reimbursements comply with established policies and regulations.
• Athletics & Human Jukebox Band Travel Support: Provide guidance and support in resolving complex travel matters involving athletic teams, band personnel, and related University activities.
• Athletics & Human Jukebox Band Travel Support: Identify opportunities to improve travel coordination, operational efficiency, and compliance within these programs.
• Executive Advisory, Financial Reporting & Administration: Serve as the principal advisor to University senior leadership on travel policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and operational matters.
• Executive Advisory, Financial Reporting & Administration: Prepare and present reports, analyses, and recommendations related to University travel expenditures, operational performance, and compliance trends.
• Executive Advisory, Financial Reporting & Administration: Oversee departmental budgets, staffing, and resources to ensure effective and efficient travel program administration.
• Executive Advisory, Financial Reporting & Administration: Review and approve travel-related submissions and documentation prior to final processing in accordance with established procedures.
• Executive Advisory, Financial Reporting & Administration: Collaborate with University leadership and administrative departments to address travel-related concerns and implement operational improvements.
• Executive Advisory, Financial Reporting & Administration: Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support the operational needs of the University.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field

Job description

Southern University and A&M College seeks a Director of Travel Operations to lead the university's travel programs, ensure compliance, and optimize processes across departments while coordinating with the Louisiana Division of Administration. The role supervises Travel Operations staff, develops policies, and advises senior leadership on travel strategies.

The position oversees travel authorizations, reimbursements, and CBA program operations, ensuring accurate financial documentation and