Chief Administrative Officer
Overview
The Field School of Hvar is a family slow travel program combining superb child enrichment, social connection for adults, and support for everyday life abroad, including accommodations and coworking. Our aim is to serve the island of Hvar by offering affordable extracurriculars for local children, displacing short-term mass tourism, and by developing a “regenerative” infrastructure around the school, including an organic kitchen garden, upcycle and repair shop, and EV transport. We hope that this program will be a template for a new, sustainable approach to tourism throughout Croatia and beyond.
We are seeking a highly competent business manager to set a foundation for growth. This is a demanding, full-time role in a rapidly growing organization. You will be a good fit if you are passionate about serving children and the environment on Hvar, love the creativity of early stage ventures, and are looking to bring more impact into an established career of business performance. You will be a key leader in the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Finance
Accounting
Liaise with US accountant and bookkeeper to prepare 501(c)3 filing and taxes
Liaise with Croatian JDOO and udruga accountants and bookkeepers for taxes, expenses, payroll, and any other needs
Financial management
Track expenses against projections
Review and validate projected budgets
Obtain company credit/debit cards and ensure proper usage of petty cash
Strategy & Investment
Modify 5-year projections for program growth
Create models as needed for pitch meetings
Provide thought partnership and occasional research
Billing
Manage payment platforms
Send customer invoices for fees, issue refunds, follow up on unpaid fees
Determine payment structure, i.e. which fees are paid to US versus Croatian entity
Grants
Write budgets for proposals
Provide any required financial reporting
Strategic Communications & Board Relations
Schedule and take notes in monthly calls
Help revise core strategic documents, including 5 year plan, sustainability report, and mission statement
Prepare monthly slide decks with latest KPIs
Help establish board governance and purpose in 2026
Legal
Program Structure
Ensure that 2026 program food service, transportation and all other 2026 services are registered and conducted in compliance with Croatian law
Review 2026 program handbook, emergency policies, and risk assessments to ensure compliance with law
Obtain and renew all relevant insurance
Advise on any situations which pose a risk of litigation, such as parent complaints, child injury, or cessation of services due to unforeseen circumstances
HR
Review employee handbook to ensure compliance with law
Ensuring that all contractors, volunteers, interns and employees are qualified, vetted, engaged, and compensated in accordance with Croatian law
Technology
Organize Microsoft 365 assets
Help design better workflows for relationship management, school records, billing, bookkeeping, and other core functions
Qualifications
Education
• Bachelor’s degree required
• J.D. and/or MBA preferred
Experience
• At least 10 years of experience in management consulting, startups with >€1MM ARR, commercial-scale project development in Croatia, or other comparable senior management roles involving new programs and business line
• Business lawyer in good standing in Croatia preferred
• Volunteer or professional experience advising private schools, outdoor education programs, or larger cultural institutions is a plus
Personal
• Impeccable personal and professional integrity
• Superb communication skills
• Adaptability for working in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment
• Exceptional initiative and accountability
• Passion for sustainability, island Hvar, children, education, and families
Other
• Right to work in Croatia
• Near native English fluency
• Native or near native Croatian fluency
Conditions
This is a 6-month contract starting at candidate’s earliest availability. There is opportunity for permanent employment based on performance. A permanent role will include equity or profit-sharing.
This role is remote with flexible hours
Must be able to attend:
Two in-person meetings on island Hvar per month
Two virtual meetings in the evening CET per month
More visits to Hvar as needed – e.g. if there is pressing risk of litigation or a critical investment meeting
Compensation
Highly competitive salary
20% discount on tuition for The Field School of Hvar for duration of employment
Paid leave, insurance, and workplace protections in line with Croatian law
Equal Opportunity Statement
Field School of Hvar is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Apply
Please email your resume and cover letter to carolyn@thisisfield.org
First round candidates will be asked to conduct a brief assignment. Second round candidates will be invited to interview. Final candidates will provide 3 professional references and submit to a criminal background check.