Jamie Fitzgerald

My dream from childhood was to become a marine biologist. Growing up on Cape Cod, MA, the ocean, bay, marshes, tide pools and kettle ponds were my backyard: and I felt deeply, deeply called to the world beneath the waves. Fast forward to 2018: in my mid-twenties working as a producer in NYC, and I had the opportunity to get close to that childhood dream—starting with re-hauling the communications and marketing strategy for an ocean conservation nonprofit, Beneath The Waves.

My journey with Beneath The Waves (BTW) took me to incredible places on our planet, immersed me in cultures and communities I had never heard of, and allowed me to live out that childhood fantasy, conducting research on and in waters across the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans. Over five years, I felt intrinsically connected to the success of the organization, experiencing exponential growth and professional development as our small nonprofit entered the global arena of change-makers. As the Managing Director from 2021-2023, my journey has been a remarkable voyage, steering the organization through waves of challenges and triumphs in the pursuit of ocean conservation.

Stewarding Financial Growth:
One of the proudest accomplishments during my tenure was the transformation of our nonprofit’s financial landscape. At my start in 2018, we were navigating with a budget of $200,000 annually. Through strategic planning, donor engagement, and effective fiscal management, we not only weathered financial storms but had successfully grown our annual budget to an impressive $2 million. This financial leap empowered us to scale our impact and initiate projects that were once beyond our reach.

Building an Interdisciplinary Team:
A thriving organization is only as strong as its team, and fostering a culture of collaboration has always been a key focus of mine. I’ve had the privilege of assembling and leading a dynamic interdisciplinary team that brings together experts from diverse fields such as marine biology, policy advocacy, blue carbon research and media production. This collaborative approach enriched our perspectives and enabled us to tackle complex ocean conservation challenges with a holistic and informed strategy.

International Partnerships and Research Collaborations:
Working with international partners and research groups, both from the corporate and nonprofit spaces, has been a cornerstone of our efforts. From collaborating with renowned marine research institutions to forging partnerships with like-minded nonprofits across continents, our collective impact is magnified. Together, we’ve been able to leverage shared resources, pool expertise, and implement initiatives that have a truly global reach. I’ve activated partnerships with brands like ScubaPro, GoPro, Southern Tide, Verijet, and most recently, Bacardi Limited.

Fundraising and Development:
Sailing the nonprofit seas often requires navigating the currents of fundraising and development. Over the past three years, I spearheaded successful fundraising campaigns, engaging both individual donors and corporate sponsors. From innovative crowdfunding initiatives (spanning everything from NFTs, shark tagging, and partners in the musical industry like Nora en Pure and Jauz) to cultivating long-term philanthropic relationships, the organization’s financial sustainability has been fortified. Through effective storytelling and transparent communication, we’ve connected with supporters who share our passion for preserving our oceans.

Grants and Reporting Excellence:
Securing grants is not merely about financial support; it’s about validating our mission and approach. Navigating the complex waters of grant applications, I’ve worked to secure funding from prestigious international foundations and government bodies alike. Equally crucial has been the commitment to transparent reporting. Through meticulous tracking and impactful storytelling, BTW demonstrated accountability to our donors and showcased the tangible outcomes of their support.

Event Management for Impact:
Events serve as powerful platforms to amplify our message and engage stakeholders. Whether orchestrating international conferences, local awareness campaigns, or virtual symposiums, seamless event management has often been mission-critical for my role with BTW, and played a pivotal role in our organization’s outreach efforts. These gatherings not only elevated our nonprofit’s profile but also fostered a sense of community among our supporters and partners.