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...

3 weeks ago

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

$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

2 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 2 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...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

2 weeks ago

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

$115K - $135K *

Engage in impactful fundraising strategies while leading a high-performing team to foster donor relationships and drive philanthropic growth. Collaborate with executive leadership to enhance fundraisi...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

4 days 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...

6 days ago

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

$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...

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $100K *

Join a visionary leadership team to drive transformative fundraising strategies and inspire positive change for youth. Lead a dedicated development team while collaborating closely with stakeholders t...

3 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining healthcare technology leadership. Oversee clinical applications and IT operations, ensuring secure, reliable solutions while aligning technology strategy with clinical pr...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$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...

4 days 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...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $240K *

Elevate your career by leading internal management and driving strategic priorities. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you'll optimize operations, coach department leads, and ensure al...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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 2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of affordable housing by coordinating policy implementation and fostering collaboration across development teams. Drive strategic initiatives and support the Depu...

2 days 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...

2 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 1 week 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 1 week 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...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $120K *

Drive project success by managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering integrated plans. Oversee project lifecycles, ensuring quality and client satisfaction while navigating challenges and coordina...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $200K *

Join us to lead the technology vision and digital transformation strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Oversee enterprise technology risk and foster innovation while managing a high...

Today

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

$100K - $120K *

Empower community impact by leading major gifts and planned giving efforts. Develop donor relations, oversee fundraising strategies, and enhance the culture of philanthropy within a healthcare nonprof...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Transform fundraising operations by building a robust infrastructure that enhances donor experience, drives accountability, and supports strategic growth. Lead CRM governance and data quality initiati...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.