Your definition of an independent contractor not working under the supervision
of a staff person is a sure prescription for trouble.  All contractors and
consultants require supervision, including regular reporting, to ensure that
they are adhering to contractual terms.  To do otherwise is to mismanage
contracted resources, thereby defaulting on commitments to boards and donors.
The IRS has no trouble with this as it is merely sound contracts management
procedure.

Lukman Clark
VP Advancement
Museum of Latin American Art