Director of Travel Operations

Division of Administration, Office of State Travel, and advises senior leadership on travel policies, procedures, and operational matters. This position also supervises Travel Operations personnel, develops and implements process improvements, and ensures the effective coordination, management, and accountability of travel activities across the University.

JOB 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.
• Supervise the Travel Manager and Travel Operations personnel, establishing departmental goals, performance expectations, and operational standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain University travel policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations.
• Evaluate travel operations and identify opportunities for process improvements, operational efficiency, and enhanced customer service.
• 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.
• Review and approve travel-related requests, supporting documentation, and policy exceptions within established authority.
• Ensure compliance with University and Southern University System policies, Louisiana state travel regulations, and applicable funding requirements.
• Investigate and resolve complex travel-related issues, reimbursement discrepancies, and compliance concerns.
• 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.
• Interpret and communicate state travel regulations and institutional policies to University leadership, faculty, staff, and departmental representatives.
• Review and approve official travel correspondence, waiver requests, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Represent the University during travel-related audits, compliance reviews, and inquiries from state agencies and external organizations.
• 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.
• Review travel card reconciliations, expenditure reports, compliance documentation, and exception activity to ensure accurate financial accountability.
• Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard University funds and prevent unauthorized or improper travel expenditures.
• Coordinate with Accounting, Accounts Payable, and other University departments to ensure accurate reconciliation and processing of travel-related transactions.
• 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.
• Collaborate with designated departmental liaisons to ensure travel authorizations, expenditures, and reimbursements comply with established policies and regulations.
• Provide guidance and support in resolving complex travel matters involving athletic teams, band personnel, and related University activities.
• 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.
• Prepare and present reports, analyses, and recommendations related to University travel expenditures, operational performance, and compliance trends.
• Oversee departmental budgets, staffing, and resources to ensure effective and efficient travel program administration.
• Review and approve travel-related submissions and documentation prior to final processing in accordance with established procedures.
• Collaborate with University leadership and administrative departments to address travel-related concerns and implement operational improvements.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support the operational needs of the University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants must complete a Southern University employment Application.

• External applicants can apply here.
• Current Southern University employees should apply here.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE:

• A cover letter detailing experience and alignment with the role.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume highlighting expertise and accomplishments.
• Three (3) professional references.

Point of Contact:

Christopher Lewis
Office of Human Resources
Christopher.Lewis04@sus.edu

A criminal background check and reference verification are required.