Working to Defy Cancer: Pandora Hess

This post is part of a series highlighting staff members within Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund’s Division of Philanthropy, to give supporters an inside peek at life at one of New England’s favorite charities. Today, we’re talking to Associate Director on the Donor Experience and Engagement team, Pandora Hess.

What brought you to Dana-Farber?

After building my donor relations foundation in the museum world, I was drawn to Dana-Farber, and into a new sector, by the urgency of the work and the chance to operate at an entirely different scale. Dana-Farber’s Philanthropy Division is recognized as one of the strongest nationally, and the opportunity to contribute to—and learn from—a team of that caliber, in service of a mission this vital, felt irresistible.

Can you describe your role here?

In my role on the Donor Experience & Engagement team, I develop and lead strategies that honor donors and deepen their connection to Dana-Farber’s mission. My work spans physical recognition displays, high-impact donor-facing materials, and recognition planning for transformational gifts, ensuring donors feel seen, valued, and inspired to remain engaged. I collaborate across the Division of Philanthropy to create meaningful experiences that reflect both donor intent and institutional priorities. What I love most is that it demands equal parts creativity and strategy, all in service of a deeper human question: what sustains a donor’s commitment to a cause over a lifetime?

Is there anything you would like to share about working at Dana-Farber and the Division of Philanthropy with prospective candidates?

Dana-Farber has a culture unlike anywhere else I have worked—the sense of shared purpose attracts colleagues who are thoughtful, motivated, and genuinely collaborative. The Division of Philanthropy also invests in its people. Managers actively encourage career growth through courses, conference attendance, and professional associations. I recently had the opportunity to lead an international conference in my field with my manager’s full support and enthusiasm.

What does it mean to you to work here and support Dana-Farber’s lifesaving mission to defy cancer?

For me, this work is deeply personal. I have a visceral understanding of what is at stake, and a deep appreciation for every donor who invests in Dana-Farber’s mission. Knowing that the relationships I help steward contribute to research that defies cancer makes the urgency of this work feel very real, and very meaningful.

If you are interested in exploring a career in Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund’s Division of Philanthropy, we invite you to check out our careers page to learn about our culture, view open roles, or register for an upcoming virtual Information Session.