Location: Northfield, VT Category: Norwich University Applied Research Institutes Posted On: Fri Feb 20 2026 Job Description:

NUARI seeks a highly capable Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who will also serve as the organization's Contracts Administrator, responsible for financial leadership, compliance, and full lifecycle management of government and commercial contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements.

This role combines strategic financial leadership, nonprofit stewardship, and hands-on federal contracting execution. The CFO will be a core member of the executive team and a key architect of NUARI's financial sustainability, compliance posture, and scalable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

Lead all financial operations, planning, and strategy for a growing 501(c)(3) applied research institute.
Develop and manage annual and multi-year budgets aligned with strategic priorities
Oversee accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, and cash management
Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and federal grant/contract requirements.
Produce executive-level financial reporting for CEO and Board of Directors.
Manage audits, tax filings (Form 990), and financial controls.
Monitor indirect rates, cost allocation, and allowable cost structures.

Contracts & Grants Administration

Serve as NUARI's lead for full lifecycle contract and grant management.
Administer federal contracts, cooperative agreements, OTAs, and grants (DoD, DHS,NSF, etc.).
Administer commercial contracts for services with partners, companies, and agencies.
Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and sponsor requirements.
Oversee proposal budgets, pricing, and financial risk assessment.
Manage contract execution, modifications, invoicing, and closeout.
Track funding, burn rates, and contract deliverables tied to financial performance.
Coordinate with program managers to ensure financial and contractual compliance.
Maintain contract and grant records, reporting, and audit readiness.

Strategic & Executive Role

Advise CEO on financial strategy, risk, and growth planning.
Support pricing strategy, capture efforts, and proposal development.
Build scalable financial and contract management systems.
Establish financial discipline across programs and initiatives.
Participate in executive planning, risk management, and governance. Support Board Finance/Audit Committee.

Job Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must be willing and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Warpersonal security clearance
Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field
10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience? Experience as CFO, Controller, or senior finance leader in a nonprofit, governmentcontractor, or research organization
Direct experience administering federal contracts and/or grants
Strong knowledge of:
- Nonprofit accounting & compliance
- FAR / DFARS / Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
- Government contract financial management
Experience managing audits and financial controls
Strong executive communication and leadership skills
Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on

Desired / Preferred Qualifications

MBA strongly desired
CPA preferred
Experience in applied research, national security, cyber, or technology organizations
Experience managing indirect rates and federally funded programs
Familiarity with OTAs, SBIR/STTR, and research grant structures
Experience scaling financial systems in a growing organization
Experience supporting Board-level reporting and governance

Key Attributes

Mission-driven and team-oriented? Structured, disciplined, and detail-oriented
Strategic thinker with operational execution capability
Comfortable in fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment
Strong judgment and risk awareness Trusted advisor to CEO and leadership

Additional Information:

Norwich University Applied Research Institutes is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Applications from women and people of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. NUARI offers a mission-driven environment and the opportunity to help build a nationally significant applied research organization.

Benefits include:

Full health, vision and dental insurance
Life, disability and short-term insurance 403b with company contribution and matching

Please visit http://nuari.org for more information.

Norwich University

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