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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$145K - $160K *

Accelerate product development by managing the software lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance user experience and meet stakeholder needs...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $190K *

Lead the charge in managing the software development lifecycle for innovative products, leveraging low-code platforms to enhance user experience and drive strategic initiatives across cross-functional...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional financial oversight and client service. Lead financial operations, ensure compliance and develop client relationships while mentoring staff in a...

Los Angeles, CARemote

4 weeks ago

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

$81K - $86K *

Join a team that's dedicated to building strong donor relationships and implementing effective fundraising strategies. You'll manage a portfolio of prospects, engage with diverse stakeholders, and dri...

Ohio, USRemote

1 week ago

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

$114K - $132K *

Pioneer strategic fundraising initiatives that cultivate donor relationships and secure six and seven-figure gifts. Collaborate across teams to enhance organizational impact and utilize donor insights...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$95K - $145K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on equity-centered People Operations. Lead initiatives that enhance employee engagement, streamline processes, and foster a culture of inclusivity while ma...

Boston, MARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $150K *

Unlock growth by driving business development strategies, fostering key relationships, and spearheading pipeline opportunities with a focus on strategic and tactical execution to capture substantial c...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$190K - $260K *

Transform client delivery in biotech by leading a high-performing team, driving operational excellence, and fostering innovation. Champion technology adoption and continuous improvement to enhance cli...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$124K - $174K *

Lead the charge in transforming data into actionable insights that enhance Marketing and Sales strategies. Drive customer relevancy through market analysis, persona development, and innovative researc...

Illinois, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$87K - $114K *

Transform partner engagement by developing and executing enablement programs that educate and empower partners, driving success and contributing to overall business growth through strategic collaborat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$240K - $325K *

Lead the charge in transforming strategic initiatives into actionable plans, collaborating with senior leaders to enhance operational effectiveness and community impact across diverse functions within...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $100K *

Lead the enhancement of our business continuity program, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure operational readiness and effective response to disruptions. Drive training initiatives and...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$157K - $262K *

Drive enterprise vendor management strategy by overseeing vendor relationships, governance, and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, optimize costs, and enhance o...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $152K *

Lead collaborative efforts among Bay Area colleges and workforce partners to enhance ICT education, align with labor market needs, and achieve equity goals. Drive project management, data analysis, an...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in transforming tax software by eliminating manual tasks through AI. Own product outcomes, shape new concepts, and drive client success in an agile environment, ensuring measurable imp...

Springfield, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $190K *

Champion healthcare transformation by leading client partnerships and driving growth across a portfolio of health system accounts. Spearhead strategic initiatives, enhance renewals, and unlock expansi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in expanding strategic partnerships and driving growth initiatives with autonomy. Collaborate with leadership to assess market trends, enhance client relationships, and achieve sales t...

Raleigh, NCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing Oracle database landscapes, ensuring optimal performance and standards compliance. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot issues, implement solutions, and drive architectur...

Philadelphia, PARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $195K *

Join a dynamic biotech team to drive strategic initiatives, manage cross-functional operations, and lead business development efforts. Leverage your scientific expertise and leadership skills to shape...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $235K *

Grow your career with a role leading cloud security strategy across multi-cloud environments. As a key decision-maker, you will enhance enterprise security frameworks while driving innovation, complia...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $220K *

Transform a global brand and communications strategy with innovative AI insights. Lead integrated narratives that build trust, drive market growth, and enhance corporate reputation across diverse audi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K *

Join us to lead a dynamic Sales Development team, driving pipeline growth through strategic outbound and inbound initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and leverag...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Unlock new opportunities as you drive business growth in the life sciences sector. Focus on building relationships and matching client needs with innovative solutions in commercial consulting, brand c...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$350K - $430K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of ophthalmic genetic medicine development. Provide strategic oversight for clinical studies, ensuring patient safety and data integrity while collaborating with cr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$250K - $300K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing a scalable home-based care model, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care through interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous improvement across d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

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.