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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$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in driving strategic growth and innovation within the National Intelligence sector, managing multi-disciplinary teams to secure key opportunities and deliver high-value solutions align...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $220K *

Champion innovation by leading the tech strategy and execution for digital health products. Collaborate with teams to develop impactful software while mentoring engineers and ensuring compliance in a...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career by leading strategic philanthropic initiatives, overseeing data management, and enhancing fundraising operations. Collaborate with university leadership to drive innovative solutio...

1 week ago

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

$235K - $275K *

Transform the technology landscape of a multi-site organization by leading data, AI, and systems modernization efforts. Collaborate with teams to enhance efficiency and drive impactful change for educ...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $170K *

Transform critical federal systems by leading a dynamic team of IT professionals, ensuring high availability and resilience while driving technical excellence and operational efficiency in a hybrid en...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $116K *

Explore your potential as a Major Gifts Officer, cultivating donor relationships and securing significant philanthropic investments to advance our mission and community impact. Collaborate with a dedi...

1 week ago

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

$120K - $180K *

Shape the future of fundraising by leading campaigns and directing a dynamic development team. Drive major gifts and create impactful strategies to elevate support for our mission, making a meaningful...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$165K - $185K *

Lead the execution of AI-enabled clinical informatics initiatives, focusing on Ambient AI Scribe capabilities. Drive program delivery, align stakeholders, and enhance clinical workflows to improve hea...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock new service opportunities by leading strategic execution and cross-functional collaboration. Drive rapid market launches and enhance customer engagement through innovative program management an...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of fundraising and community engagement. Lead strategic initiatives, oversee donor relations, and drive resource development across diverse programs while collabo...

1 week ago

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

$125K - $135K *

Join us to lead strategic fundraising initiatives that enhance donor engagement, expand community support, and ensure long-term sustainability. Oversee diverse fundraising programs and collaborate wit...

4 days ago

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

$87K - $108K *

Drive operational excellence by managing budgets, vendor contracts, and talent onboarding. Collaborate with teams to enhance workflows and foster a high-performing culture, ensuring alignment with org...

3 days ago

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

$272K - $408K *

Transform the future of growth by leading enterprise innovation strategies, overseeing a diverse portfolio, and driving new business creation through strategic partnerships and disciplined experimenta...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$272K - $408K *

Unlock enterprise growth by leading innovation strategies, managing a diverse portfolio, and fostering partnerships to create scalable business opportunities that drive long-term value and address eme...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$272K - $408K *

Lead the charge in shaping enterprise innovation strategies that drive growth, oversee a diverse portfolio of opportunities, and establish governance frameworks to transform emerging ideas into scalab...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$235K - $275K *

Lead the charge in financial strategy and sustainability for a multi-site organization, overseeing a $200M budget. Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure fiscal health, compliance, and resour...

1 week ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Elevate operational excellence by leading Foundation processes, systems, and controls. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance workflows, and ensure compliance while fostering collaboration across depart...

4 days ago

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

$210K - $250K *

Shape the future of healthcare by leading a multi-site organization, fostering community relationships, and driving strategic growth initiatives while ensuring operational excellence and financial ste...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$90K - $110K *

Drive impactful program development and growth by leveraging your expertise in proposal writing, strategic analysis, and team collaboration to enhance organizational effectiveness and capitalize on ne...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in subnational finance, driving business growth and innovation. Collaborate globally to develop scalable solutions, enhance client relationships, and share best practices, while managi...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $110K *

Drive strategic fundraising and community engagement efforts to enhance organizational visibility and sustainability. Lead a dynamic team to cultivate donor relationships, implement marketing strategi...

Yesterday

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

$190K - $225K *

Lead the charge in delivering exceptional services to State and Local Government accounts. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance customer satisfaction, and support business development efforts while ma...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $100K *

Transform program operations by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing performance through data analysis, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to drive impactful results across the organizat...

1 week ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in transforming public sector consulting by guiding organizations through digital transformation and ERP implementations, while managing high-impact teams and fostering client relation...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing resident experiences while overseeing operations, staff leadership, and financial management in a vibrant assisted living community. Drive innovation and fost...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 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.