University Travel Manager

Job Description - University Travel Manager (OFF00000184) Job Description University Travel Manager - ( OFF00000184 ) Description Salary Range: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Expected range begins at $100,000. About SMU SMUs more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the Universitys small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem paired with entrepreneurial drive creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMUs relationship with Dallas the dynamic center of one of the nations fastest-growing regions offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry. About the Position: This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The University Travel Manager is responsible for directing and managing the strategy and operations related to university travel. The role administers and monitors travel policies, guidelines, systems and budget to deliver efficient travel operations. The role also provides guidance to employees about travel, manages relationships with vendors, and ensures compliance with university policy and guidelines. This position establishes best practices to manage travel spending and develops strategies for university travel based on needs and market conditions. Essential Functions Responsible for leading, and optimizing travel offerings, including the deployment, enhancement, and maintenance travel related suppliers/vendors, policy, technology and process elements. Work directly with travel vendors to solicit, evaluate, and negotiate favorable pricing and delivery terms and award contracts for travel-related purchases, such as airlines and hotels. Manage key vendor relationships serve as the University representative to travel agencies and credit card merchants. Provide internal controls and governance for all travel and expense workflows, related concepts and procedures, and adherence to policy. Institute and refine SMU's travel programming, create efficiencies, and optimize usage/drive adoption to preferred travel partners. Serve as functional lead for travel and expense related technology solutions, including SAP Concur. Create and conduct training. Assist employees with report completion and compliance. Provide regular budget and travel utilization reports to management and developing reports for campus use based on specific areas of need. Assist with the buying function during peak periods. Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelors is required. A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required. Three (3) years of experience providing management and executive levels with self-developed reports and recommendations based on an overall analysis of the current state of the travel program is preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills. Candidate must have the ability to develop a positive customer-focused mindset. Prior knowledge of the SAP Concur travel & expense management system preferred. Must be able to research and provide data-based solutions and have the ability to implement. Spreadsheet and word processing skills are required, including ability to interpret and manipulate large volumes of data. Physical and Environmental Demands: This position requires the ability to sit for long periods of time and carry/lift up to 25 lbs. Deadline to Apply: Priority consideration may be given to those submissions received by August 25, 2025. EEO Statement SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of healthand related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution. SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMUand, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU. #J-18808-Ljbffr