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Gitanjali Bhattacharya
Head of Access and Partnerships at Harrow School
Professional Background
Gitanjali Bhattacharya is a highly accomplished strategic planner with extensive global experience in fundraising and program leadership, particularly within mission-driven organizations that prioritize ecological conservation and sustainable development. Her career spans several prestigious organizations, where she has exhibited a profound commitment to developing hope for the future of our planet through effective program management and innovative fundraising strategies.
As the Head of Access and Partnerships at Harrow School, Gitanjali combines her expertise in education and conservation to foster meaningful partnerships that support academic excellence and environmental sustainability. Her previous role as the Head of Global Development at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) allowed her to oversee initiatives that enhance wildlife conservation and engage community stakeholders across continents, notably in North America, Europe, and Asia. Her tenure at ZSL included significant roles such as Programme Manager for South and Central Asia, where she managed a diverse portfolio of multi-disciplinary projects aimed at protecting iconic species and their habitats.
Gitanjali’s career trajectory reflects a consistent dedication to environmental issues and community engagement. Her leadership style is characterized by her ability to build high-performing teams, motivate others, and create a collaborative atmosphere where innovative solutions can flourish. With a strong emphasis on measurable impact, Gitanjali has successfully led projects that engage both governmental and local communities in fostering biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices.
Education and Achievements
Gitanjali’s formidable educational background underscores her expertise in ecology and environmental management. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, alongside her Master of Arts in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, both from Columbia University in the City of New York. This academic foundation is complemented by her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The Open University, which equips her with the vital skills needed for strategic management and effective leadership in non-profit environments.
In addition to her advanced degrees, Gitanjali holds a Graduate Certificate in Conservation Policy from Columbia University, which emphasizes her commitment to informed decision-making based on ecological evidence. She also possesses a Master of Science (MS) in Wildlife Biology from the Wildlife Institute of India, illustrating her dedication to the advancement of wildlife sciences on a global stage.
Gitanjali has also contributed to academia as a Lecturer at the Consortium for Environmental Research and Conservation (CERC) at Columbia University, where she inspired the next generation of environmental leaders. Her combination of scholarly rigor and practical experience positions her uniquely in the conservation landscape, blending theoretical knowledge with actionable strategies for wildlife preservation.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Gitanjali has developed a wide range of specialties that enhance her professional profile within the conservation sector. These include:
- Comprehensive program management for regional initiatives that are focused on tangible outcomes in conservation.
- Strategic design and implementation of fundraising campaigns that engage private donors and enhance community support for conservation programs.
- Proactive engagement with stakeholders to create networks that support ecological research and conservation efforts.
- Development and management of large-scale projects that monitor wildlife populations and mitigate certain threats.
- Training, mentoring, and capacity building, empowering individuals and organizations to enhance their impact in the field of conservation.
Gitanjali’s passion extends beyond her professional pursuits; she actively engages with the wider community to raise awareness about critical conservation issues and the need for sustainable practices. Her talent for public outreach fosters greater understanding and support for ecological initiatives, aligning with her overarching goal of safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.
Follow her journey and insights on Twitter at @gitanjalib.
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program management
fundraising
ecology
sustainable development
wildlife conservation
strategy design
stakeholder engagement
community outreach
capacity building
junior team development
multi-disciplinary projects
international development
Indian wildlife
species conservation
academic positions
partnership building
environmental education
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