Director, Nonprofit Finances & Legal

Inspire Columbia’s Directorship is an executive student leadership role that places experienced undergraduate upperclassmen and advanced students in charge of a core functional department for the academic year.

As the Director of Nonprofit Finances & Legal, you will serve as the chief financial and regulatory lead for Inspire Columbia, managing the organization's fiscal health, compliance, and governance frameworks. You will work firsthand on high-impact, city-wide programming by managing organizational and event-specific budgets, overseeing vendor and venue contracts, and directing a dedicated cohort of student Associates to deliver real results across the greater Columbia area.

The Directorship serves as the senior operational engine of Inspire Columbia. Directors gain executive management experience, direct non-profit governance oversight, and close collaboration with C-Suite officers, positioning them for immediate consideration for elevated leadership positions within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Nonprofit Finances & Legal department, consisting of the Director and several Associates. Responsibilities of the department include:
• Manage accounts payable and receivable by promptly paying vendor invoices, collecting incoming payments, and maintaining accurate transaction records.
• Oversee contract processing by drafting agreements for external partnerships, reviewing third-party contracts, and escalating finalized documents to executive leadership for signing.
• Maintain corporate standing and regulatory compliance with the IRS, SC Secretary of State, SC Department of Revenue, City of Columbia, and Richland County, ensuring all monthly and annual tax filings are completed on time to avoid penalties.
• Manage banking relationships and oversee the custody of funds, tracking capital across main operational accounts, donation platform escrow accounts, and reserve funds.
• Direct organizational accounting by tracking all income and expenses, categorizing transactions systematically, and building financial reports to provide strategic insights.
• Maintain a centralized contract database and dashboard to track active agreements, monitor binding obligations, and develop standardized contract templates for sponsors and partners.
• Lead fiscal sponsorship operations by managing spending approvals, establishing project budgets, and serving as the primary financial liaison for sponsored events and client partners.
• Mentor and oversee departmental Associates, delegating key operational tasks, supporting their professional growth, and guiding them through hands-on nonprofit management.

Qualifications

Applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students in their third year of study or beyond (including Master’s, JD, or PhD candidates) at one of the following eligible institutions:

• University of South Carolina, Columbia
• Allen University
• Benedict College
• Columbia College
• Columbia International University
• Midlands Technical College
• Newberry College

Additionally, candidates must live in or near Columbia, SC with the ability to attend in-person meetings, executive planning sessions, and live events. Applicants must be authorized to work for a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a volunteer basis and should demonstrate prior coursework, internships, or leadership experience in accounting, finance, risk management, legal studies, or business operations.