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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$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

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $175K *

Grow your career with a leadership role in federal business development, driving strategy and execution for health programs. Lead capture management, build relationships, and mentor staff while contri...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$162K - $188K *

Accelerate progress at a pivotal organization by leading revenue strategies, managing key relationships, and enhancing brand visibility. Drive fundraising efforts to meet ambitious goals while fosteri...

Oakland, CARemote

1 week ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by providing strategic technology leadership to clients, translating business needs into actionable technology roadmaps and budgets. Collaborate with executives to enhance productivit...

British Columbia, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in building operational systems from the ground up, driving outcomes with a hands-on approach. Collaborate closely with a small, dedicated team to innovate in a fast-paced environment...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$216K - $264K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative projects that drive efficiency and growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact solutions while mentoring junior engineers and enhancin...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$168K - $285K *

Shape the future of corporate strategy by leading M&A initiatives, conducting market research, and providing strategic recommendations to drive growth and innovation in the AI-powered DevSecOps landsc...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $187K *

Drive growth by transforming demand into a sustainable revenue model, leading partnerships and marketing strategies while building systems for repeatable success in a dynamic, mission-driven environme...

Chicago, ILRemote

Yesterday

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

$125K - $150K *

Lead project teams to deliver quality IT solutions, managing multi-disciplinary staff and overseeing all aspects of project lifecycle from design to implementation for a large-scale agency contract...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $125K *

Drive impactful fundraising efforts by managing a diverse portfolio of major donors. Collaborate with leadership and teams to enhance donor engagement and achieve ambitious financial goals across the...

United StatesRemote

Today

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

$150K - $205K *

Join a team that's driving M&A success by leading financial strategy, target evaluation, and integration planning. Collaborate with senior leaders to identify opportunities and execute critical phases...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to drive strategic initiatives and enhance global health outcomes. Collaborate with senior leadership to synthesize complex data, manage special projects, and prepare impactful com...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $110K *

Drive business growth by identifying and qualifying federal procurement opportunities, focusing on healthcare contracts. Collaborate on capture strategies and build partnerships to enhance win probabi...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$250K - $350K *

Unlock potential by serving as a strategic advisor to executives, guiding organizations in workplace transformation, technology modernization, and data-driven strategies to enhance productivity and op...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $185K *

Champion customer success within the Intelligence Community, driving satisfaction, retention, and account growth through relationship management and proactive solutions. Shape long-term partnerships w...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $220K *

Transform organizational change by leading enterprise-wide initiatives that enhance workforce capabilities and drive AI adoption. Collaborate with senior leaders to design impactful training programs...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$240K - $270K *

Architect the financial backbone of a rapidly scaling AI-focused organization. Collaborate with leadership to design systems, drive compliance, and enable international expansion while leveraging AI f...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's redefining technology strategy for clients. As a strategic advisor, you'll align IT solutions with business goals, lead technology reviews, and optimize investments to drive measura...

California, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$244K - $366K *

Transform technology leadership by driving strategic initiatives, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering innovation across a decentralized organization. Collaborate with stakeholders to align technolo...

Toronto, ONRemote

5 days ago

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

$275K - $375K *

Lead the charge in shaping our technology strategy, ensuring operational excellence and security while driving innovation and compliance across the organization. Collaborate with leaders to align tech...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $140K *

Unlock potential by driving SBA loan origination and fostering partnerships in targeted sectors. Join a dynamic team focused on revenue growth and relationship development through your established net...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$145K - $185K *

Champion growth by leading business development within the Intelligence Community. Build relationships, shape solutions, and ensure contract success while managing a diverse portfolio and driving team...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $125K *

Elevate product strategy and delivery by leading a multidisciplinary team to ensure alignment with stakeholder needs and mission-critical outcomes in a fully remote environment...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $263K *

Empower the financial future of the organization by leading strategic financial initiatives, ensuring compliance, and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration across teams to drive sustai...

United StatesRemote

Today

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

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.