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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$170K - $180K *

Drive impactful policy research and analysis to shape economic strategies, guiding NYCEDC's initiatives. Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders to translate complex data into actionable insights...

Today

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

$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

5 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

$180K - $220K *

Strategize and lead the technology vision and innovation agenda, aligning tech investments with business goals. Drive operational excellence and enhance experiences while ensuring a secure, scalable...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$83K - $90K *

Contribute to financial excellence by leading reporting, budgeting, and compliance. Drive team development and enhance financial processes while collaborating with leadership to support organizational...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$400K - $453K *

Drive financial strategy as our inaugural CFO, shaping funding, operations, and pricing for dynamic, usage-based revenue. Lead accounting, FP&A, and build a robust finance function to fuel growth in o...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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 *

Empower the future of early childhood education by leading a licensed childcare center. Drive enrollment growth, financial performance, and educational excellence while fostering community partnership...

4 days ago

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

$238K - $298K *

Shape the future of technology across higher education, driving strategic and operational leadership in IT. Collaborate with institutional partners to develop innovative solutions and enhance cybersec...

3 weeks ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in transforming a civic institution by driving revenue, strategy, and culture while ensuring journalistic integrity and fostering community engagement through collaborative partnership...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Join us in advancing philanthropic support for the School of Business by cultivating major gift donors, implementing effective fundraising strategies, and collaborating with leadership to enhance dono...

1 week ago

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

$89K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving philanthropic revenue through data-driven insights. As a key member of the Development Department, you'll identify prospects and optimize fundraising strategies...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$89K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving philanthropic revenue through data-driven insights. As a key member of the Development Department, you'll identify potential supporters and optimize fundraising...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead strategic operations and enhance collaboration within Transit Development, driving impactful decision-making and fostering a culture of growth and engagement in urban p...

6 days ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of urban transit. As a strategic leader, you'll enhance operations, drive program delivery, and foster collaboration to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable tr...

6 days ago

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

$130K - $140K *

Support the Project Manager in executing complex VA initiatives, ensuring effective coordination and communication across teams. Drive strategic direction into actionable plans while adapting to evolv...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$230K - $300K *

Shape the future of education as a strategic leader overseeing curriculum, faculty, and institutional improvement. Foster student success and equity while managing academic initiatives across multiple...

Reposted 3 days ago

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

$140K - $160K *

Join our team to lead successful client engagements, manage consultants, and drive business development initiatives. Leverage your finance expertise to ensure client satisfaction and foster practice g...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $250K *

Elevate our financial strategy as you lead a dynamic team, driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Shape the future of our organization by enhancing processes, building trust in reporting...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $210K *

Drive sales excellence by leading a high-performing team in AI Security and Compliance. Oversee revenue growth, build strategic partnerships, and enhance client relationships while shaping the sales p...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Champion fundraising success by leading major gift strategies and enhancing alumni engagement. Collaborate with library leadership to align priorities and maximize philanthropic support for immediate...

6 days ago

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

$168K - $191K *

Contribute to innovative AI development to support homelessness solutions. Lead a team in building tools, fostering partnerships, and executing strategies to ensure ethical AI use while maintaining hu...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$85K - $102K *

Contribute to impactful learning and evaluation strategies, driving data collection and analysis to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure comp...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

Today

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

$110K - $130K *

Transform healthcare market strategies by driving scalable execution and continuous improvement. Collaborate with leadership to align business priorities with go-to-market models, ensuring data-driven...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$82K - $92K *

Lead strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across departments, fostering collaboration and engagement. Drive program expansion and partnerships while ensuring alignment with organizational...

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.