Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research provides strategic and operational leadership for all financial and administrative functions within the Office of the CFO. Reporting directly to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Chief Operating Officer (COO), the CFO serves as a Corporate Officer and a key member of the executive leadership team, shaping financial strategy to support UCAR’s mission and long‑term sustainability.

The CFO oversees the fiscal management and stewardship of UCAR and its major entities, including the National Center for Atmospheric Research—a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the National Science Foundation and recognized globally for excellence in Earth system science—and UCAR Community Programs, which deliver innovative education, outreach, and community engagement initiatives. The CFO is responsible for ensuring robust financial systems, transparent reporting, effective resource allocation, and compliance with federal and institutional requirements, while advancing a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Hiring Salary Range: $244,744 - $305,930. Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Job Location: Boulder, Colorado

Position Type: Full‑time, Regular

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

Serve as a key member of the UCAR President’s Council, contributing to enterprise‑wide strategy and organizational decision‑making.

Partner with UCAR leadership, scientific and operational leaders, and external stakeholders to align financial strategies with institutional goals and long‑term priorities.

Collaborate with the UCAR Board of Trustees Audit and Finance Committee, providing clear financial insights and recommendations to inform governance and strategic oversight.

Act as UCAR’s primary financial liaison to the National Science Foundation, federal agencies, auditors, and other partners on CFO‑related matters.

Advise UCAR business entities on budgeting, forecasting, and resource optimization to ensure financial sustainability and mission alignment.

Develop and execute long‑term financial strategies that advance UCAR’s mission, research goals, and institutional resilience.

Lead the organization’s annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, ensuring data‑driven decisions and alignment with operational needs.

Identify, assess, and manage financial and operational risks, implementing proactive mitigation strategies.

Oversee compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring adherence to reporting and audit standards.

Lead engagement with external auditors and regulators, ensuring transparency and integrity in all financial reporting.

Provide executive oversight for UCAR’s accounting, treasury, budgeting, property, and tax functions, ensuring efficiency, integrity, and compliance.

Manage UCAR’s annual indirect budget development and NSF indirect cost rate proposal processes.

Drive innovation in financial systems, data analytics, and management technologies to enhance operational performance.

Establish and monitor robust internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure fiscal accountability.

Define, track, and report Office of the CFO (OCFO) metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure organizational impact and continuous improvement.

Exercise signatory authority and fulfill official responsibilities as a UCAR Corporate Officer.

Lead and mentor the OCFO team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, respect, and continuous learning.

Oversee recruitment, development, and retention of finance personnel, ensuring a skilled and high‑performing team.

Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide coaching and professional development opportunities.

Promote innovation, empowerment, and cross‑functional collaboration across the…