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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$100K - $120K *

Drive comprehensive analysis and research on salaries and benefits for UN staff, providing technical support and policy recommendations to enhance compensation frameworks and ensure equitable practice...

1 week ago

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

$145K - $185K *

Transform the Cyber operations landscape by leading business development, shaping solutions, and executing contracts. Build trusted relationships, manage a diverse portfolio, and drive customer satisf...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$101K - $132K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of client success by leading implementation efforts. Drive operational excellence while mentoring your team and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance customer...

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Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

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2 weeks ago

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

$115K - $192K *

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Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Drive strategic fundraising initiatives by building donor relationships, leading major gift campaigns, and enhancing community engagement to support the Foundation's mission and goals, ensuring impact...

4 weeks ago

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

$130K - $145K *

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$112K - $137K *

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

$112K - $137K *

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3 weeks ago

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

$142K - $152K *

Transform philanthropic engagement by managing major gift prospects, developing strategies, and fostering meaningful donor relationships. Collaborate with leadership to advance fundraising goals that...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

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4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Empower your career by leading strategic fundraising initiatives that cultivate donor relationships and drive organizational growth. Oversee capital campaigns and collaborate with stakeholders to alig...

Today

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

$190K - $220K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of public health and human services. Lead strategic initiatives, oversee multiple departments, and drive policy implementation to enhance community well-being and...

2 weeks ago

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

$78K - $90K *

Inspire philanthropic collaborations by engaging top wealth advisors to elevate charitable giving strategies and expand community impact through effective business development initiatives...

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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Elevate community impact by leading CRA strategy across a five-state area. Collaborate with executives and teams to address community needs, ensuring compliance and enhancing the Bank's outreach and e...

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Elevate data-driven decision-making by leading reporting and integration initiatives. Oversee a team to ensure data accuracy and interoperability across systems, supporting regulatory compliance and q...

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Shape strategic initiatives by collaborating with leadership to enhance community health outcomes, drive fundraising efforts, and oversee data governance, ensuring sustainable growth and impactful par...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $105K *

Transform lives as you lead social services operations, ensuring compliance and quality care for residents. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to meet psychosocial needs and enhance resident sat...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$190K - $210K *

Lead the charge in enhancing public service delivery and operational efficiency across multiple city departments. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement strategic initiatives that align with the M...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$92K - $118K *

Lead the charge in local grantmaking to drive innovative projects that enhance Jewish education and social services. Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to measure impact and ensure a...

Reposted today

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

$54K - $117K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing university goals through major gift fundraising. This role involves cultivating donor relationships, managing fundraising strategies, and contributing to impa...

1 week ago

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

$125K - $150K *

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1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$200K - $240K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.