Chief Financial Officer

Company: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Location: Boulder
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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 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. Who We'd Love To Join Our Team Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria: 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. Benefits Overview UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits . In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include: Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities. UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one. Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions). 10 paid holidays. 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary. EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost. Commitment to Job Application Fairness Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process. Some Final Considerations At NSF NCAR| UCAR | UCP , you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core. Flexible Work At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours. Equal Opportunity Employer UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR. Export Control All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations and work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems. Work Location UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories. AI Software ChatGPT and similar AI software are powerful tools that are changing the way society receives, processes, and leverages information promptly. While we acknowledge its benefits and do not restrict leveraging it with job applications, we highly encourage a majority of the applicant material to be original work.

Keywords: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, Lakewood , Chief Financial Officer, Accounting, Auditing , Boulder, Colorado