Grants Manager - (Manager of Grant and Travel administration)

Louisiana State University • Goodwell, OK

7d

About The Position

The Department of Physics & Astronomy administrative team is seeking a full-time grant and travel manager. The Grant & Travel Manager is responsible for the post‑award administration of all departmental grants and contracts, as well as comprehensive oversight of departmental travel administration. This role ensures accurate financial management, compliance with university and sponsor regulations, and efficient coordination of grant and travel processes. The position supervises and trains staff, manages financial workflows, and serves as a key liaison between faculty, department leadership, and central administrative offices. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex financial and administrative tasks are essential.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field with 3 years of related experience.
• Strong understanding of post‑award grant administration and sponsored research regulations.
• Demonstrated financial management abilities, including reconciliation, forecasting, and auditing.
• Experience managing travel processes and reimbursement workflows.
• Excellent supervisory and training skills.
• High attention to detail; strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret complex sponsor guidelines and university policies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency with financial/accounting systems, spreadsheets, and travel management platforms.

Nice To Haves

• 6-10 years of experience in the following: Experience in higher education, research administration, or sponsored programs.
• Knowledge of university financial systems and travel software.
• Experience making travel arrangements and financial reconciling.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manages the department post award administration of grants and contracts.
• Reconciles grant accounts and ensures accuracy of financial data.
• Monitors financial activity on grant, contract, and cost share accounts for compliance.
• Conducts long range financial planning and provides forecasting support to faculty.
• Analyzes and audits daily business expenditures to ensure compliance with sponsor and university standards.
• Prepares and processes account corrections.
• Informs and advises faculty on allowable costs, budgetary elements, and sponsor guidelines.
• Provides guidance on proposal budgeting related to overhead, fringe benefits, fees, and university financial requirements.
• Interprets sponsor regulations and ensures that all expenditures align with award terms and conditions.
• Offers proactive financial consultations regarding budget status, spending rates, and compliance issues.
• Serves as departmental liaison with: Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP); Sponsored Program Accounting (SPA); and Other university administrative units
• Communicates policy updates, reporting requirements, and procedural changes.
• Responsible for managing all aspects of the department’s travel administration.
• Oversees, supervises, and trains direct reports involved in coordinating travel arrangements and reimbursements.
• Serves as the back up travel coordinator for the department.
• Ensures travel requests, approvals, and reimbursements comply with university, state, and sponsor policies.
• Conducts annual audits of travel arrangement and reimbursement processes.
• Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Implements improvements to streamline workflows and enhance service quality.
• Keeps faculty and staff informed of changes to travel systems, policies, and procedures.
• Provides ongoing training and support related to travel platforms, documentation, and compliance requirements.
• Directly supervises a full-time Grant/Travel Coordinator.
• Provides mentorship, performance feedback, and workflow direction.
• Promotes professional effectiveness and fosters a collaborative, service oriented work environment.

Benefits

• LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees