Acts as central component of the centromere DNA-binding protein complex CBF3; which is essential for chromosome segregation and movement of centromeres along microtubules. CBF3 is required for the recruitment of other kinetochore complexes to CEN DNA. It plays a role in the attachment of chromosomes to the spindle and binds selectively to a highly conserved DNA sequence called CDEIII; found in centromers and in several promoters. The association of CBF3C with CBF3D and SGT1 is required for CBF3C activation and CBF3 assembly.