Grants manager - (manager of grant and travel administration)

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Job Posting Title:

Grants Manager - (Manager of Grant and Travel administration)

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM Science - PA - Administration (Laurie Rea (00003523))

Work Location:

0202 J.W. Nicholson Hall

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

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.

Responsibilities:

Grant & Contract Management (50% effort)

• 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.

Faculty Support & Compliance

• 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.

Liaison & Coordination

• 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.

Travel Administration (30% effort)

• 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 backup travel coordinator for the department.
• Ensures travel requests, approvals, and reimbursements comply with university, state, and sponsor policies.

Audit & Quality Control

• 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.

Policy Communication & Training

• 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.

Supervision (15% effort)

• 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.

Other Duties as Assigned (5% effort)

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field with 3 years of related experience.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply--a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred qualifications:

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.

Required Skills

• 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.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions: Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application. Please provide letter of application, resume, and three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required prior to hire (if applicable).

For questions regarding pay or the status of your application, please reach out to Laurie Rea at lrea@lsu.edu

Skills Needed:

• Conflict Management
• Financial Acumen
• Precise Decision Making
• Process Improvements
• Resource Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Training People

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:

September 4, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

September 9, 2026

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. 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!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N): N

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.