Chief Financial Officer

Overview

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.

Executive Leadership and Strategic Partnership

• 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.

Financial Strategy, Planning, and Risk Management

• 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.

Financial Operations and Performance

• 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.

People, Culture, and Organizational Development

• 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 organization’s financial community.

Corporate Investments and Treasury Oversight

• Oversee UCAR’s investment portfolio, ensuring prudent management and alignment with long-term financial objectives.

• Provide oversight of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Retirement Plan as a member of the Retirement Plan Investment and Oversight Committee.

• Manage treasury operations to ensure liquidity, capital preservation, and effective cash management.

Education and Experience (Required):

• Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field and 15 years of experience in finance, including at least 5 years of leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

• CPA, CMA, CTP, or equivalent certification strongly preferred.

• Extensive executive-level experience leading financial strategy and operations within complex organizations, preferably in research, higher education, or federal contracting environments.

• Demonstrated experience working with federal agencies, particularly the National Science Foundation, and deep familiarity with requirements applicable to a Federally Funded Research and Development Center.

• Proven leadership in developing and executing financial strategies involving tax-exempt bond issuance and management, investment portfolio oversight (including assets exceeding $100M), and structuring of public/private partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth understanding of the Government Accountability Office accounting standards, Office of Management and Budget Cost Principles, Federal Acquisition Regulation, and National Science Foundation financial rules and timing requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to monitor, interpret, and advise on financial regulations, funding agency requirements, and compliance obligations.

• Deep understanding of tax-exempt bond regulations, investment management principles, and best practices in accounting and audit processes.

• Proven capacity to identify financial leading indicators and proactively alert executive leadership to potential risks or adverse trends to ensure timely mitigation.

• Ability to clearly articulate all institutional liabilities — including contracts, statutory and tax obligations, contingent liabilities, leases, insurance exposure, and obligations arising from loan covenants or board directives.

• Advanced expertise in strategic financial planning, enterprise risk management, and resource allocation in support of organizational priorities.

• Strong capability in designing, implementing, and optimizing modern financial systems and business processes that enhance data-driven decision-making.

• Demonstrated success in directing financial resources and operations to balance strategic goals with fiscal responsibility and stakeholder expectations.

• Proven ability to translate complex financial concepts into actionable insights for diverse audiences, including scientists, administrators, and board members.

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and inspire a high-performing, diverse workforce.

• Demonstrated success in coaching, mentoring, and developing finance professionals across multiple disciplines.

• Advanced skill in supervising employees in finance, budgeting, and contracts functions, fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and accountability.

• Ability to build strong partnerships and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including federal sponsors, trustees, research leaders, and community partners.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial and strategic issues clearly and persuasively to varied audiences.

• Skilled in synthesizing abstract or technical concepts into actionable recommendations for decision-makers.

• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and executive presence in representing UCAR to external partners, funding agencies, and the public.