Travel Operations Manager Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Hiring Department
Intercollegiate Athletics
Job Description
The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking a Travel Operations Coordinator to serve as the central coordinator for all team travel operations across 16 sports programs. This role is responsible for planning, managing, and executing all aspects of team travel, including charter and commercial air travel, hotel accommodations, and charter ground transportation. Working closely with a third-party travel agency, coaches, and directors of operations, this position ensures efficient, high quality travel experiences that reflect the department's values of trust, accountability, and service. The role emphasizes collaboration, proactive problem solving, and a commitment to supporting student athlete success through seamless travel operations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Provide centralized leadership and oversight for all team travel operations across 16 sport programs, ensuring travel plans are coordinated, efficient, compliant and aligned with team schedules and operational needs. (30%)
• Serve as the primary point of coordination for all team travel across 16 sports programs.
• Plan, manage, and execute all aspects of team travel, including charter and commercial air travel, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation.
• Ensure travel plans align with competition schedules while anticipating operational needs and resolving logistical challenges.
• Interpret, apply, and enforce departmental travel and expense policies, institutional guidelines, and applicable NCAA requirements.
• Deliver exceptional customer service that supports coaches, student-athletes, and staff while fostering a championship-level travel experience.
2. Manage relationships and coordinate directly with third-party travel agencies, airlines, hotel partners, transportation providers, and other vendors to negotiate solutions, resolve issues, and ensure quality service delivery. (20%)
• Serve as the primary liaison with the department's travel agency and external travel partners.
• Coordinate reservations and travel logistics for charter flights, commercial airfare, hotels, buses, vans, and other transportation providers.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with vendors to ensure high-quality service, responsiveness, and cost-effective solutions.
• Resolve travel disruptions and service issues while maintaining operational continuity and customer satisfaction.
3. Develop, monitor, and analyze team travel budgets, expenses, and projections in partnership with the Athletics Business Office and sport programs, including identifying trends, efficiencies, and opportunities for cost management. (20%)
• Track travel expenditures against approved budgets and provide ongoing financial reporting.
• Collaborate with the Athletics Business Office and sport programs to develop annual travel budgets and quarterly projections.
• Analyze travel spending trends, benchmark costs, and recommend process improvements and cost-saving opportunities.
• Support financial planning and decision-making through accurate forecasting and expense analysis.
4. Collaborate with coaches, directors of operations, and sport administrators to anticipate travel needs, develop comprehensive travel plans, and proactively resolve complex logistical challenges. (15%)
• Partner with coaches, Directors of Operations, and athletic administrators to coordinate travel schedules and operational priorities.
• Develop comprehensive travel itineraries that support team performance and operational efficiency.
• Communicate travel plans, expectations, and policy guidance to coaches and staff.
• Ensure travel arrangements support student-athlete success while maintaining flexibility to address changing schedules and unforeseen circumstances.
5. Provide operational support, reporting, continuous improvement initiatives, and administrative leadership related to travel services and Athletics business operations. (10%)
• Prepare reports, metrics, and operational analyses related to travel services and expenditures.
• Evaluate travel processes and recommend improvements to enhance service quality, efficiency, and compliance.
• Support departmental initiatives that strengthen travel operations, customer service, and business practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Athletics operations and strategic objectives.
Shift
Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm; Nights, Weekends, and Travel as required.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience as a Director of Operations is preferred.
• Experience working with athletic team travel, coordinating charter flights, and working with third party travel agencies.
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary Range: $54,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year
Grade: GGS 9E
University Title: Business Services Consultant
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Community Information
Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer .
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.