2025-26 Director of Finance - Network Team (External Applicants Only)

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Overview

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Liberty STEAM Charter, a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school, is located in Sumter, South Carolina and served 192 scholars in the 2021-22 school year, its inaugural year, across kindergarten and first grade. Authorized by the SC Public Charter School District in April 2020, LSC is the first-ever of its existence in the community and will serve scholars in grades K-12 across four academies at its build-out with grade levels being phased in overtime to ensure quality educational programming is offered to all enrolled scholars. You can view our entire charter application by clicking here. 

In the 2022-23 school year, LSC completed its Primary Academy expansion by adding second grade and now serves 300 scholars across K-1 while it also opened its Elementary Academy in August 2023 to serve an additional 300 scholars in grades 2-3. It is scheduled to open its next site in the 2025-26 school year with 5th grade. We place a high value on the fact that we don't merely open good schools - we open excellent schools. Next year, we will serve 900 scholars across three campuses.

The vision and mission of the school is predicated upon a general theory of action that has been well-communicated by early supporters who believe if a school existed that emphasized a focus on STEAM career fields through project-based learning and personalized learning, seeking to provide scholars with a blend of rigorous & relevant academic and workplace learning experiences, then its graduates will leave with the competencies necessary to be successful in college or career. 

As such, the school will eventually serve as the cradle-to-college/workforce pipeline in the Sumter community and become an integral part of a holistic revitalization approach. The organization is currently governed by a nine-member Board of Directors with a network team of five staff members, 51 staff members who are employed at the Primary Academy Campus, and 65 at the Elementary Academy Campus. By leveraging innovative practices common to some of the state and nation’s top-performing public schools, the proposed charter school is ready to shatter the opportunity gap for all scholars. In addition to a project-based learning approach with an integration of the STEAM curriculum, scholars will be provided with a strong foundation in literacy to help define and achieve their dreams. 

Assembling a World-Class Faculty & Staff to Deliver on our Promise of Excellence for all Scholars

The faculty & staff at LSC are champions who believe all scholars are capable of greatness and achievement far beyond what society has been conditioned to accept. If you have what it takes, then keep reading. You will be demanders of excellence for yourself and your scholars, encouraging and accepting nothing less than scholars’ best and most thoughtful work.

You are already a passionate learner who is hungry for professional development and thrives on feedback. Here, you will cultivate classroom cultures built on strong structures, communication and lasting relationships. You will be part of a powerful team that is all aligned around the same goals. Every day, your hard work will prepare scholars who will go on to become graduates who will be thoughtful and engaged citizens prepared to take on the leadership challenges of the 21st century. And you’ll grow. Your growth matters to us. Because doing what’s best for kids means doing what’s best for teachers, too.

This is a full-time position located in Sumter, South Carolina.

Description of Sumter

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Known as the Gamecock City, Sumter lies near the geographic center of South Carolina. Nearly 108,000 people call Sumter their home. Sumter offers a highly diversified industrial structure and is famed for its lovely gardens and charming residential neighborhoods. Part of the well-known Santee-Cooper Lakes region, Sumter is renowned for hunting, fishing, water sports, and golf. Located between two great vacation centers, Sumter is 100 miles west of Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand and 175 miles east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Columbia, the state capital, lies 44 miles to the west, and the major port city of Charleston is 99 miles south. Sumter is proud to be the home of Shaw Air Force Base and the Third Army, which are integral parts of our community. Sumter has become increasingly known for textiles, manufacturing, biotech industries, a thriving retail environment, and the medical center of its region in addition to agricultural products, which makes it a hub for business in the east-central portion of South Carolina. Learn more about living in Sumter by clicking here. 

The Challenge

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Sumter is not immune to the issue that has plagued rural communities of the Palmetto State and indeed the nation for the last several years – the local public school system is not producing enough graduates prepared to enter a rapidly changing skills-based economy. Make no mistake about it: Sumter is at an important crossroads and bold, dynamic innovation is a must if our community is to move forward and increase its global competitiveness. A 21st-century education system must be centered around preparing our young people to participate in an ever-changing economy. Early backers of the school’s concept strongly believe that when kids leave school with an industry-recognized credential or some kind of skill, trade, or even a degree, they are able to take those high-wage, high-demand jobs that we desperately need to fill locally in order to further grow our Sumter economy.

Solution

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The creation and establishment of LSC, a public charter school in Sumter (South Carolina) focused on STEAM career fields through project-based learning supported by industry is the way forward.

Mission: LSC will work to provide all scholars with equal access to a world-class K-12 education in an academically rigorous and scholar-centered learning environment, creating graduates who will be thoughtful and engaged citizens prepared to take on the leadership challenges of the 21st century.

Vision: In partnership with our families and the community, our vision is to provide real-world interdisciplinary, personalized, and project-based learning experiences through a STEAM-based academic program where graduates become the next generation of leaders, employers, and employees who contribute to the economic well-being of their communities and families.

Multiple career pathways will be offered to scholars including industrial & engineering technology, health sciences, computer technology, and early college.  The school holds a deep commitment to cultivating an inclusive & supportive community where everyone is focused on learning. The establishment of the charter school could be one part of a holistic approach to help lead a renaissance in the Sumter community and will encourage further growth, hope, and a sense of pride while being a launching pad for better education opportunities in our community. Thus, the charter school will essentially serve as a key lever for holistic neighborhood revitalization by helping to close the opportunity gap in building a strong, economically diverse Sumter community.

Our community leaders believe this will positively impact local education as a whole and also, more importantly, encourage further development throughout our community, improve the quality of life, and be a mechanism to recruit new families to Sumter while providing a world-class education system for those that already call Sumter home.

Check out LSC's YouTube Channel video collection for more videos of the meaningful work we are engaged in for the Sumter community!

Director of Finance - Network Team
 

Reporting directly to the Executive Director (ED), the Managing Director Finance (MDF) serves as a senior administrator at LSC. The ideal candidate is an experienced public education finance professional, especially committed to serving low SES and minority scholars, self-reflective, data-driven, results-oriented, mission-focused, open to and actively seeks constructive feedback, and is tenacious about scholar college & career readiness.

The Director of Finance is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of Liberty STEAM Charter School, ensuring sound financial management practices, and helping drive the mission of the organization through the effective use of resources. This leadership role will manage budgeting, accounting, reporting, compliance, and financial planning while collaborating with executive leadership to ensure the long-term financial health and sustainability of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

Oversee and manage all aspects of accounting and financial operations, including
budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow needs, and forecasting.

Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements to the
Executive Director, Board of Directors, and relevant stakeholders.

Ensure accurate and timely preparation of the annual audit and the Form 990 tax
return.

Present to Executive Director audit firm candidates and your recommendation.

Manage cash flow, ensuring adequate liquidity for operations and identifying
areas for cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

Lead the budgeting process, in collaboration with other departments, to create the organization’s annual budget and multi-year financial projections.

Monitor budget performance throughout the year, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions when necessary.

Analyze financial data and trends to provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including
maintaining proper accounting records and adhering to Liberty Financial Policy
Manual and accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, FASB guidelines).

Ensure timely filing of financial documents, including 990 forms, and other
regulatory requirements.

Act as the main liaison with auditors and ensure proper documentation is in place
for annual audits and reviews.

Grants, Federal Programs, & Fundraising Support

Oversee financial reporting for grants and restricted funds, ensuring that all expenses are in compliance with grant terms and conditions.

Work closely with the Development team to track donations, pledges, and financial gifts, ensuring proper documentation and use of funds.

Provide financial analysis and reporting for fundraising campaigns and other revenue-generating activities.

Provide tax documents to donors in compliance with IRS guidelines.

Work closely with Quixote Foundation and support their philanthropic support of LSCS.

Leadership & Team Management

Lead and mentor the finance team, providing guidance, training, and professional
development opportunities.

Foster a collaborative work environment and ensure high performance and
accountability across all financial operations.

Strategic Planning & Financial Sustainability

Assist the Executive Director and Board of Directors in shaping the organization’s
financial strategy, ensuring alignment with the mission and long-term goals.

Identify and implement strategies for sustainable financial growth, ensuring the
organization remains financially healthy and can scale operations as needed.

Qualifications

 Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.

 Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in finance, with at least 5 years in a
leadership role, preferably in a non-profit or school district.

 Strong knowledge of school district accounting principles, financial regulations, and
reporting requirements. Experience in Smart Fusion, preferred.

 Proven experience in financial planning, budgeting, and managing complex financial
systems.

 Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage a diverse
team.

 Ability to communicate financial information effectively to non-financial stakeholders,
including the Board of Directors and senior leadership.

Skills & Competencies

 High level of proficiency in financial software (e.g., Smart Fusion, Microsoft Excel, etc.).
 Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
 Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in financial reporting.
 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
 Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Competencies: 

• Mission Focus – focuses on LSC’s core purpose of getting all students into college or a meaningful career  
• Record of Results – holds high expectations for self and others to achieve and surpass intended goals 
• Managing Others to Deliver Results -- leads multiple teams to achieve measurable and ambitious results 
• Problem Solving – able to synthesize, analyze, and prioritize data and opportunities to develop strategies, for achieving quantifiable goals 
• Coaching & Developing – develop team through formal and informal methods; makes professional development a top priority 
• Communication – effectively conveys information using a variety of channels and techniques 
• Continuous Improvement – proactively identifies opportunities to improve and consistently reflects on past actions to guide future decisions   

Compensation

The salary for this position is very competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range is $90,000-120,000 based upon experience relevant to the position.

This role is also eligible for a 13-15% performance bonus based on individual and organizational performance and goal attainment. LSC also offers a relocation stipend to defray the cost for individuals hired (if applicable). Additionally, Liberty STEAM Charter offers a comprehensive benefits package to include health, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401k options. Learn more about our unique employee benefits by clicking here.

To Learn More About Liberty STEAM Charter

Please visit the website by clicking here to learn more about the story, mission, and model of Liberty STEAM Charter. Liberty STEAM Charter is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Use Your Talents and Passion to Help Deliver Life-Changing Opportunities for Kids…Apply Today
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Interested applicants should apply directly to the job posting via Jazz HR. Candidates who apply can expect the following recruitment flow: candidate application, video screening, phone interview, and a final interview with network leaders, senior parent leaders, & board members.

Closing date: March 10, 2025                 Start Date: July 1, 2025

Salary : $70,000 - $115,000