What is Oasis?
Oasis is a national nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, dedicated to enriching the lives of adults aged 50 and older through lifelong learning, health and wellness programs, and meaningful community engagement. For more than 40 years, Oasis has been a leader in reducing social isolation and fostering connection by offering dynamic classes and activities—from arts and history to technology, fitness, current events, and volunteer opportunities. With seven locations and a presence in over 200 communities across 47 states, Oasis works in partnership with more than 800 organizations nationwide. Our national office, St. Louis Oasis, not only delivers high-impact programs locally but also provides strategic and operational support to Oasis Centers across the country. Joining the Oasis team means being part of a mission-driven organization that is redefining aging—empowering older adults to stay curious, active, and connected.

Oasis and BJC HealthCare: A Unique and Valuable Partnership
Although Oasis became an independent nonprofit organization in 1998, our roots with Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH) run deep—and our partnership remains strong. Through a long-standing agreement, Oasis Institute staff based in St. Louis are employed by BJH and fully integrated into the BJC HealthCare System. As a result, Oasis team members enjoy access to BJC’s comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and wellness programs. Oasis reimburses BJH for 100% of employee salary and benefits, ensuring a seamless and fully funded employment model. Beyond this structure, Oasis is proud to serve as a strategic partner to BJC’s Community Health Improvement (CHI) department. Together, we deliver impactful programs for older adults across the BJC service area, with a focus on advancing health equity in underserved communities.
 
Please note: Candidates interested in this position will be directed to apply through the BJC HealthCare System’s online job application portal.
 
Purpose
Oasis is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Development Director to play a key role in advancing our individual, corporate, and foundation giving efforts during an exciting time of growth. This position is an integral part of the dynamic Oasis Advancement team and will work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer and Senior Leadership Team to strengthen and expand our philanthropic impact in the St. Louis region. The Development Director will oversee a significant portfolio of individual donors ($500K) and institutional funders ($840K), leading efforts in cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation. This role also directs a robust donor communications strategy and supervises a Development Coordinator to ensure operational excellence across all development functions. This is an opportunity to join a highly collaborative and supportive work environment where innovation is encouraged, impact is measurable, and the mission—to enrich the lives of older adults—is at the heart of everything we do.

Salary Range: $75,000–$90,000+

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Vision for Growth: Design and drive a comprehensive development strategy that fuels Oasis’ mission—covering everything from major gifts to grants, corporate sponsorships, and government funding. Monitor progress and keep goals on track with clear benchmarks and data-driven reporting.
• Build and Cultivate Major Donor Relationships: Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors. Develop tailored engagement strategies that inspire generosity, deepen relationships, and elevate individual giving to new heights.
• Drive Grant Success: In partnership with the Development Coordinator, research, write, and submit compelling grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Oversee timelines, reporting, and stewardship to maximize long-term funding opportunities.
• Elevate Donor Communications: Collaborate with the Development Coordinator and marketing team to craft inspiring, mission-aligned messaging that resonates with donors—across campaigns, updates, and impact reports.
• Collaborate at the Highest Level: Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to craft ambitious, large-scale funding strategies that align with Oasis’ vision for growth and local and national impact.
• Lead and Mentor: Supervise and support the Development Coordinator, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations while nurturing professional growth and collaboration within the team.
• Craft Compelling Campaigns: Write persuasive fundraising appeals and campaign materials that motivate action and build donor loyalty.
• Champion Donor Stewardship: Strengthen relationships through thoughtful stewardship strategies and donor engagement initiatives that foster trust and long-term support.
• Expand Legacy Giving: Create and implement innovative strategies to grow Oasis’ planned giving program, inviting donors to leave a lasting impact through their estate plans.
• Grow Monthly Giving: Launch and scale monthly giving efforts to build a strong base of sustained support from committed donors.
• Engage with National Leadership: Support the National Board Advancement Committee by providing insight, materials, and strategic guidance to help drive board-level fundraising success.

 
Additional Qualifications and Attributes

• Strong Collaboration and Project Management: Demonstrated ability to work effectively across teams and departments while managing multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities with clarity and focus.
• Innovative and Strategic Thinking: Brings fresh ideas and creative solutions to enhance fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies, with a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Adaptability and Positivity: Maintains focus on key objectives during times of change and approaches challenges with a calm, solutions-oriented mindset, contributing to a resilient and optimistic work culture.

 
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5-10 years of fundraising experience
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong, successful fundraising background with proven track record in major gifts and corporate and foundation giving
• Solid understanding of effective foundation, corporate and individual donor cultivation
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain positive constituent and colleague relationships through constructive communication skills and professionalism
• Strong project management skills, with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in fast-paced environment
• Strong personal code of ethics and understanding of ethical fundraising

 
Preferred

• Certified Fundraising Professional (CFRE) or certificate from a university in fundraising and resource development or in nonprofit management
• Experience supervising/managing colleagues

 
Benefits:
Medical, dental, vision, and Life Insurance
401(k) w/ Employer match
Defined Benefit Pension Plan (vested after 5 years)
Paid Vacation
Opportunity to work from home and in-office
 
To find out more about BJC’s benefits: https://www.bjctotalrewards.org/Benefits
To Apply:
As described above, employees of The Oasis Institute are leased from Barnes-Jewish Hospital, part of the BJC HealthCare organization. The BJC job title and description for the Development Director is DIFFERENT from the Oasis job title and description. BJC lists the title as “Major Gifts Manager,” however the official title and position is for a “Development Director” described above. The difference is for clerical purposes only to meet the requirements of BJC’s HR system. The Oasis Development Director’s role will not interact with BJC hospital staff despite what the description on BJC’s site states.

If interested in this position, please submit your resume and complete the on-line application through BJC’s on-line portal by clicking on the following link: Major Gifts Manager in Saint Ann, Missouri | Careers at The OASIS Institute AWS