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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$90K - $189K *

Join a dynamic team to architect and deliver analytics solutions that empower federal HR leaders through innovative dashboards, compliance reporting, and predictive models, contributing to a significa...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $193K *

Optimize Salesforce solutions by leading hands-on development and architecture, integrating with enterprise applications, and driving AI adoption to enhance performance and security across platforms...

Eden Prairie, MNRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$155K - $210K *

Lead complex programs and strategic client engagements, driving technology transformation and sustainable business value. Act as a trusted adviser to C-level stakeholders, shaping program vision and e...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Empower data-driven marketing strategies by developing scalable models and automations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data delivery and quality, ensuring efficient operations for...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of newborn health by leading strategic initiatives, managing multi-country programs, and driving impactful interventions to reduce neonatal mortality and stillbirt...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

Empower a high-performing team to drive fundraising efforts and achieve ambitious goals. Lead daily operations, enhance donor engagement, and utilize data to optimize performance in a dynamic, mission...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

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

$80K - $100K *

Transform the future of philanthropy in higher education by leading major gift initiatives, collaborating with a dynamic team, and driving fundraising efforts to support key college priorities while c...

East Lansing, MIRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$94K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Solutions Consultant, delivering strategic consulting and technical implementation to enhance customer success with innovative software solutions. Collaborate with clients to...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$157K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving innovation by building AI-powered tools for a vibrant community of diverse software engineers. You'll blend hands-on engineering with community management to enhance technic...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $140K *

Drive operational excellence in commercial readiness and support cross-functional teams to ensure effective execution of launch strategies and operational priorities in a dynamic biotech environment...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Elevate security and efficiency in cloud environments by designing and automating secure CI/CD pipelines, ensuring compliance and reliability for regulated applications in a FedRAMP High setting, whil...

Dallas, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $220K *

Lead the charge in shaping the go-to-market strategy for innovative data security services, driving customer adoption and engagement through compelling narratives and strategic partnerships across tea...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Shape the financial landscape by leading accounting operations, ensuring compliance, and enhancing revenue models. Drive process improvements and oversee a scalable finance function while managing a t...

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in contract research services. As a key player, you'll develop strategic sales plans, foster client relationships, and leverage scientific expertise to exceed cli...

Indianapolis, INRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $145K *

Drive client success and retention by leading a team of managers to ensure exceptional service and satisfaction while leveraging data-driven insights and proactive strategies for account management im...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $215K *

Drive the design and deployment of innovative data and AI solutions, leveraging expertise in LLMs, agentic AI, and cloud technologies to enhance business value and ensure compliance with industry stan...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $195K *

Elevate client relationships by managing key accounts, driving satisfaction and growth. Collaborate with internal teams to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring long-term success and measurable ROI for...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$115K - $135K *

Help us expand our commercial lending portfolio by building client relationships and delivering tailored financing solutions. You'll play a key role in driving business growth while ensuring an except...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$167K - $250K *

Elevate service operations by developing strategies that enhance performance, drive accountability, and ensure customer satisfaction through effective leadership and operational excellence in a comple...

Oregon, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$94K - $145K *

Lead the charge in optimizing Microsoft 365 operations, ensuring seamless administration and management of tenant subscriptions, Exchange online, and identity services while leveraging best practices...

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Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $190K *

Champion client engagement and project management while leading ERP implementations in higher education and public sectors. Drive financial optimization and mentor teams to deliver impactful solutions...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Drive business process improvement by analyzing and redesigning workflows, leveraging strong communication and analytical skills to support federal budget processes and enhance operational efficiency...

Maryland, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Program Analyst, supporting program management and governance for a key initiative. Collaborate with stakeholders to analyze data, develop reports, and ensure documenta...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $175K *

Lead the charge in optimizing sales force effectiveness through strategic planning, performance management, and process improvement, ensuring productivity and aligning with organizational goals for su...

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Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $220K *

Engage with higher education institutions to foster relationships, drive customer success, and expand platform adoption. Balance strategic management and revenue growth in a dynamic environment, ensur...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   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.