Working to Defy Cancer: Meet Aimee Harland

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 New England’s favorite charity. Today, we’re talking to Assistant Director of The Dana-Farber Campaign, Aimee Harland.

What brought you to Dana-Farber? What made you want to work here?

I always wanted to work in health care, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. I remember seeing a job posting for a Direct Marketing Assistant on the Annual Giving team, and I was immediately drawn to the role. I lost my grandmother to cancer when I was 2 years old, and even though it was such a difficult time for my mom, she still talks about what a special place Dana-Farber was to her family and how the care was truly unmatched. I loved the idea of being part of such a well-respected organization and playing a role in the lifesaving research that happens every day.

Can you describe your role here?  

I have been on The Dana-Farber Campaign team since May 2021, and I help to oversee the campaign’s fundraising efforts. Although we’re a two-person team, we work across the Division constantly, which I love. A day in my life on the campaign team looks like this: collaborating with the Center for Advancement, our internal learning & development function, to host the next Campaign education session, staffing the volunteer campaign leadership committee, collaborating across the Division to plan for the celebration phase of the campaign beginning in fiscal year 2025, and being the point of contact for campaign related questions from colleagues. 

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

The Division of Philanthropy is such a dedicated and special group. You can count on one another to collaborate and work together to achieve our greater mission to defy cancer. I’m proud to say I work at such a special place!

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

We are reminded every day how much the work we do truly makes a difference to change the future of cancer research and care.

Are there any memories of working here that stand out to you?

I always remember the first time I volunteered for the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. I was stationed at the 5K start line, and I saw the pediatric patients from the Jimmy Fund Clinic coming out to the PMC bridge to watch the walkers. I still get chills thinking about how impactful that was, and it often serves as a reminder about how important raising money for Dana-Farber is.

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.