Travel Specialist, CIRES

Travel Specialist, CIRES

Company:
University of Colorado Boulder

Job Location:
Category:
Other Administrative Positions

Type:
Full-Time

Requisition Number: 71809

Location: Boulder, Colorado

City: Boulder

State: Colorado

Employment Type: University Staff

Schedule: Full-Time

Posting Close Date: 17-May-2026

Date Posted: 30-Apr-2026

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is encouraging applications for a Travel Specialist to join our Finance team! This position facilitates research by providing high-quality travel support to CIRES faculty, research personnel, and administrative staff, and ensures compliance by advising on complex aspects of travel policies and procedures.

This position collaborates with CU's central offices (Office of Contracts and Grants, Campus Controller's Office, Research and Innovation Office, the Procurement Service Center, Risk Management, etc.) to coordinate the Finance Office's research administration services which encompass all financial aspects of sponsored and non-sponsored funding for the Institute.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

At CIRES, the Cooperative Institute for Research In Environmental Sciences, more than 900 people work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. An institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, we have partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since 1967. Our areas of expertise include weather and climate, wildfire and water, changes at Earth's poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our researchers work in 10 CU Boulder departments and eight NOAA laboratories and centers.

Our mission: Conduct innovative research that advances our understanding of the global, regional, and local environments and the human relationship with those environments, for the benefit of society.

Our vision: CIRES is an international leader in conducting cross-cutting environmental research of the highest quality while bridging fundamental science and service to society. We build leaders, scientists, communicators, and teams dedicated to developing sound and trusted information to address environmental challenges. We embrace a positive and inclusive culture, recognizing that CIRES thrives when our people do.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Travel Policy, Regulations Research, Interpretation and Advising: 90%

• Ensure compliance in all aspects of travel policies and procedures and serve as the authority and single point of contact for researching, interpreting and advising on complex policies and procedures.
• Maintain a complete and up-to-date understanding of the Office of Management and Budget's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, the Fly America Act and other travel regulations and ordinances.
• Review, evaluate and approve travel requests in InsideCIRES, Concur, and via email. Prepare travel reconciliation and expense reimbursements in compliance with all travel policies and procedures and sponsored project funding regulations.
• Manage a central email inbox with all members of the CIRES Travel team. Respond to emails in a timely manner, and completely, in support of CIRES researchers.
• Review and approve Travel Card Applications.
• Assist travelers and staff with questions, including, but not limited to, issues involving international travel, non-employee travel, meal per diem, other travel costs, and personal travel. Work with the CIRES Travel team to refine processes, research federal, state, and university policies, and communicate policy or process changes throughout the institute.

Other: 10%

• As the CIRES expert on Travel laws and regulations, maintain CIRES intranet pages with up-to-date travel policy and procedures along with helpful resources for travelers.
• Assist with ad hoc reporting and review related to travel expenditures.

What You Should Know

After an initial training period, this position offers a hybrid work modality with Tuesday & Wednesday being in-office days.

What We Can Offer

The annual hiring range for this position is $55,100-$69,150. Some relocation funds are available for eligible candidates.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be effective. Be proactive. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A bachelor's degree. Please note that relevant experience can substitute for education on a year-per-year basis.
• At least one year of relevant travel experience, or closely related sponsored accounting or administration experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

What You Will Need

• Excellent organization, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Dedication to customer service and to promoting a positive team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Ability to thrive both independently and as part of an inclusive and collaborative team.
• Ability to navigate and use multiple software applications to support the travel team's communication of policies and procedures to CIRES researchers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, etc.).

What We Would Like You to Have

While the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we encourage applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• Experience using a travel and expense system (SAP Concur Travel or similar system).
• Two or more years of experience processing travel reconciliation and reimbursement reports.
• At least one year of experience in research administration, accounting, or other relevant fields.
• Administrative experience working at a large university or research institution.
• Experience with Peoplesoft, COGNOS, or similar financial systems.
• Knowledge of the Office of Management and Budget's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, 2 CFR, Chapter II, Part 200, Uniform Guidance.
• Knowledge of CAS (Federally mandated Cost Accounting Standards intended to ensure uniformity in budgeting and spending funds.).
• Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We will request professional references at a later time from identified finalists.

Please apply by May 17, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.