Chief Development Officer (CDO) Jobs

Explore Chief Development Officer jobs for experienced leaders ready to shape organizational growth, revenue strategy, and long-term development. CDOs build and lead initiatives that expand an organization’s reach, strengthen partnerships, and create sustainable funding or business opportunities. Browse vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.

What Does a Chief Development Officer Do?

A Chief Development Officer sets the strategy for organizational development and turns high-level goals into measurable results. Depending on the organization, the role may focus on fundraising and philanthropy, business development, strategic partnerships, or market expansion. CDOs typically work with executive teams and boards, oversee development staff, manage major stakeholder relationships, and track performance against growth targets.

Common CDO Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute strategies for revenue growth, fundraising, or organizational expansion.
  • Build relationships with donors, investors, customers, community leaders, and strategic partners.
  • Identify new markets, funding sources, and partnership opportunities.
  • Lead, coach, and develop business development or fundraising teams.
  • Collaborate with the CEO and other executives on planning, budgets, and organizational priorities.
  • Monitor performance metrics and communicate progress to leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications for Chief Development Officer Roles

Employers often seek senior professionals with a record of delivering growth and leading teams. Requirements vary by industry and whether the position centers on nonprofit development, commercial growth, or partnerships. Common qualifications include extensive relevant experience, strong financial and strategic planning skills, executive communication, and the ability to build trusted relationships. Some roles prefer an advanced degree or specialized experience in areas such as major-gift fundraising, corporate partnerships, or business development.

Chief Development Officer Salary and Career Outlook

Compensation for CDO roles varies based on organization size, sector, location, and scope of responsibility. Many opportunities offer executive-level compensation, and Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Experienced development leaders may progress to broader executive roles, including chief executive, chief operating, or other enterprise leadership positions.

Find Chief Development Officer Jobs on Ladders

Search Chief Development Officer jobs on Ladders to discover senior opportunities aligned with your experience and career goals. Review role expectations, compare opportunities, and find positions where you can lead growth, partnerships, and development strategy.

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$250K - $280K *

Champion a robust development strategy that secures major gifts, diversifies revenue, and enhances the organization’s long-term financial sustainability through relationship-building and donor engagem...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$180K - $210K *

Elevate the impact of data-driven insights in health policy by leading analytics, governance, and strategic initiatives. Collaborate across teams to enhance population health outcomes through innovati...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Empower change by leading strategic fundraising efforts! As a vital team architect, you'll cultivate relationships, drive grant strategies, and shape a culture of philanthropy that fuels innovative jo...

Washington, DCRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$160K - $200K *

Drive strategic philanthropy initiatives to elevate fund development efforts, collaborating with senior leaders to secure major gifts and enhance donor engagement across multiple healthcare entities...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Lead high-level fundraising and strategic partnerships to drive investor engagement and revenue growth for a mission-driven organization. Shape the future of the Indy region through innovative account...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead strategic fundraising initiatives to secure vital resources, enhance organizational visibility, and foster a culture of philanthropy. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive revenue growth and ens...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$200K - $220K *

Transform the future of revenue generation by leading strategic initiatives, building donor relationships, and enhancing brand visibility. Drive diversified funding streams while fostering a culture o...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$210K - $250K *

Drive the development strategy for a national hyperscale data center platform, overseeing site selection, land acquisition, and project readiness. Lead a multidisciplinary team to advance complex infr...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion data-driven public health initiatives by leading agency-wide strategies, enhancing data management, and fostering collaboration to improve health outcomes and equity across the District...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to lead strategic growth initiatives, overseeing real estate, construction, and market expansion for a rapidly growing fitness brand. Drive development projects from inception to s...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$100K - $120K *

Engage with donors and stakeholders to drive fundraising initiatives, manage grant writing, and enhance community partnerships. Oversee campaigns and communications to support strategic growth and com...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$180K - $220K *

Drive enterprise innovation and technology strategy to enhance federal market growth. Lead emerging tech investments, oversee R&D, and develop solutions that strengthen competitive positioning and del...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Lead the management of CDFI Fund programs, ensuring efficient administration, developing policies, and evaluating program effectiveness while mentoring staff to enhance community development initiativ...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in building philanthropic support through strategic donor engagement, major gifts development, and capital campaign initiatives. Collaborate with leadership and community stakeholders...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Innovate fundraising strategies to enhance philanthropic engagement across a four-museum system. Lead development initiatives, manage relationships, and drive operational efficiency to achieve ambitio...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $145K *

Lead the charge in optimizing development operations, overseeing grant management, and enhancing donor engagement. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance and elevate fundraising strategie...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$95K - $145K *

Champion the strategic vision for Development Operations, overseeing grant management and donor data optimization. Lead a team, ensure compliance, and enhance fundraising efforts while collaborating c...

Boston, MARemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $88K *

Unlock your potential as a Development Manager, driving donor engagement and fundraising initiatives. Collaborate with teams to enhance donor systems, manage campaigns, and create impactful materials...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$125K - $150K *

Oversee technology strategy and operations, ensuring a secure, responsive environment that meets diverse family needs while fostering leadership and operational excellence across all supported locatio...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$195K - $226K *

Transform operations at a strategic level by leading finance, HR, and IT. Drive organizational alignment, enhance systems, and foster a high-performance culture while managing key relationships and en...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$80K - $90K *

Engage with Jewish communities to cultivate donor relationships and drive fundraising efforts. This role blends outreach, event planning, and donor engagement to develop a vital fundraising channel on...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$80K - $100K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative fundraising strategies and cultivating meaningful donor relationships to enhance educational access and community partnerships. Drive the Spoon River College Fou...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in driving strategic growth, partnerships, and revenue for a mission-driven organization focused on global development, leveraging deep expertise to realize ambitious funding goals and...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$180K - $220K *

Join a team that's poised for transformative growth by spearheading revenue strategies and strategic partnerships. Shape RTV's future with an innovative approach while engaging sophisticated funders a...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$100K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead fundraising initiatives, cultivate donor relationships, and drive revenue growth. Play a key role in achieving organizational goals through strategic planning and effec...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a Chief Development Officer?question toggle

    A Chief Development Officer is an executive who leads an organization’s development strategy. Depending on the employer, that can include fundraising, revenue growth, business development, strategic partnerships, or organizational expansion.

  • What does a Chief Development Officer do?question toggle

    A CDO sets development goals, identifies growth and funding opportunities, builds relationships with key stakeholders, leads relevant teams, and reports results to executive leadership or a board.

  • What qualifications are needed for a Chief Development Officer job?question toggle

    Qualifications vary by sector, but employers commonly look for substantial experience in development, fundraising, business growth, or partnerships; a record of leadership; strategic and financial skills; and strong communication. Some roles require an advanced degree or specialized expertise.

  • How much do Chief Development Officers earn?question toggle

    CDO compensation varies by organization, industry, location, and responsibilities. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including senior leadership opportunities.

  • Where can I find Chief Development Officer jobs?question toggle

    You can browse Chief Development Officer openings on Ladders, which focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more.