JOB OPENING Executive Director

‍Employer: Vis Archipelago Geopark
Headquarters: Komiža
Job title: Executive Director
Number of vacancies: 1
Employment type: fixed-term employment for a four (4) year term, with a six (6) month probationary period
Working hours: full-time
Work location: Komiža (with fieldwork and attendance at meetings in Croatia and abroad)

Expected start date: August 3, 2026.

Job description

- representing the Association in accordance with the Law, the Association's internal bylaws, authorizations, and the instructions and guidelines of the Assembly, the Supervisory Board, and the Advisory Council,

- responsibility for the organizational and financial stability and sustainable development of the Association,

- organizing and overseeing all association business processes to monitor the efficiency of the Association's work,

- managerial oversight in executing the association's program goals, with an emphasis on work organization and the realization of established plans and projects,

- proposing development strategies and plans, and preparing reports for the Assembly, Supervisory Board, and Advisory Council of the association,

- responsibility for report supervision,

- making decisions regarding rights and obligations arising from and related to employment,

- professional performance of the Executive Director role in accordance with the provisions of the Geopark Statute

- representing the Geopark in all proceedings before courts, administrative and other state bodies, and legal entities with public authority,

- taking all legal actions in the name and on behalf of the Geopark,

- ensuring the implementation and execution of decisions made by the Assembly and the Supervisory Board,

- responsible for the legality of the Geopark's operations

- managing the process and making decisions regarding the selection of candidates for employment at the Geopark

- performing other duties as established by this Rulebook and the Geopark Statute

- ensuring proper financial operations and the timely fulfillment of the Geopark's financial obligations by managing the association's financial operations in cooperation with an accounting agency, which includes participating in the preparation of financial reports, regular monitoring of expenditures, and financial planning

- coordination and implementation of the association's organizational tasks (office operations, strategic and operational planning, records of employee training),

- realization of program and strategic goals,

- coordination of employees, volunteers, and external associates,

- coordination and improvement of cooperation with partner organizations

- communication with the media, partners, and associates, and the creation of new partnership relationships,

- developing public communication strategies, promoting the Geopark, and handling public appearances,

- monitoring public policies at the national and European levels related to the Geopark's activities

- monitoring published tenders and calls for co-financing association activities

- creating detailed project plans with project timelines and defining project tasks,

- proposing and managing the project team,

- collaborating with scientific and professional institutions, professional associations, and individuals on project preparation and implementation,

- obtaining all necessary project permits and approvals, and preparing contractual documentation,

- managing and supervising project implementation throughout the entire project duration,

- regularly reporting to the Assembly on project progress, analysis, and evaluation,

- preparing project budgets, cash flow statements, and other regular reports for competent authorities,

- creating project management plans and plans for the protection of cultural, natural, and geological values,

- acting in accordance with environmental protection policies and applicable regulations,

- managing interpretation and educational activities, local community engagement programs, and coordinating the development of websites within the scope of work,

- preparing presentations, proposing marketing activities, and participating in professional conferences,

- coordinating the development of professional documentation related to the geological and biological values of the area for promotional materials, education, and interpretation programs,

- developing guidelines for the Management Board to improve project management efficiency in line with set goals,

- maintaining orderly documentation and archives for tasks within the scope of work in accordance with statutory deadlines,

- continuous professional development through specialized seminars

- appointing a person to maintain the association's membership records

Application requirements

General requirements

-       legal age

- Citizenship of the Republic of Croatia

- Medical fitness for the job position

- Work experience: minimum of 3 years of work experience in organizational, managerial, or advisory roles (experience with nature and environmental protection projects is an advantage)

- Completed university degree (Master's level) in natural sciences and mathematics (geology or biology), economics, law, or technical fields

Special requirements

- Advanced computer literacy (Windows environment and MS Office proficiency)

- Excellent command of English, both spoken and written

- Level of job complexity involving planning, leading, and coordinating tasks, contributing to the development of new concepts, and solving strategic assignments

- Level of autonomy involving independence in work and decision-making on the most complex professional issues

- Knowledge of donors, experience in writing project proposals and reports

- Ability to work under pressure

- Level of responsibility involving the highest material and financial accountability for the legality of work and operations, including broad supervisory and managerial responsibility. Highest level of influence on decision-making that has a significant impact on policy determination and implementation

- Knowledge of the needs and situation in the country, the region, and the EU

- Knowledge of the needs of users and stakeholders

- Knowledge of project evaluation and monitoring methods

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team

- Excellent communication, media, and organizational skills

- Excellent analytical and planning skills

- Category B driving license

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Preference will be given to candidates who:

- have experience managing an institution, company, or other organization,

- have experience in preparing and implementing projects funded by national or EU funds,

- have experience working in international partnerships and international projects,

- have experience leading teams and managing finances, or

- have experience collaborating with local and regional government units, state bodies, or international organizations.

Application documents

Candidates must submit the following with their application:

- curriculum vitae (CV)

- cover letter

- proof of educational qualifications (copy of diploma or certificate)

- proof of citizenship (copy of ID card or certificate of citizenship)

- certificate that no criminal proceedings are being conducted against the candidate (not older than 6 months)

- proof of work experience in organizational, managerial, or advisory roles

- copy of a valid category B driver's license

Candidates who are entitled to priority in employment under special regulations must state this in their application and attach the appropriate documentation.

The employer reserves the right to request original documents or certified copies of the submitted documents from candidates before making a final decision.

Other notes

Persons of both genders may apply for this position on equal terms.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
After reviewing the applications, the committee will select the candidates who best meet the requirements and invite them for an interview, after which a decision will be made on the selection of the Executive Director.
Candidates will be notified of the interview schedule in a timely manner.

By applying for this position, the candidate consents to the collection and processing of personal data provided in the application, exclusively for the purpose of conducting this recruitment process and potential employment, in accordance with applicable data protection regulations (GDPR). The personal data of candidates will be stored in the employer's records in accordance with applicable legal obligations and the employer's internal policies.

The employer reserves the right to cancel the vacancy or not to select any candidate.

Salary and benefits

• The monthly gross salary is 3,600.00 EUR.
• The employer provides a housing subsidy of 400.00 EUR per month, in accordance with the Association's internal policies.

Application deadline and procedure

Applications must be submitted exclusively by electronic means by sending the complete documentation to the following e-mail address:

geopark@geopark-vis.com

no later than July 22, 2026, at 12:00 midnight.

The subject line of the e-mail must state:
"Application for the position of Executive Director"

Once your application is received, you will get a confirmation email regarding your submitted documentation.

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If you do not receive a confirmation of your application within 24 hours, please contact the employer at the same email address.

An application is considered timely if it is received on the employer's email server before the application deadline expires.

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