Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type:

Full time, Regular

Compensation Range:

Hiring Salary Range $244,744 - $305,930

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.*

Job Description Summary

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 key member of the executive leadership team, shaping financial strategy in support of 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.

Job Description

Application Deadline:

• This position will be posted until 11:59:59 pm MDT on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Required application materials: (preferably in PDF Format)

• Resume
• Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).
• Questionnaire (embedded in the application)

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.
Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories. This position requires a minimum of 3 days/week onsite at our Boulder location (Foothills Lab Anthes Building).

What You Will Do

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 performa