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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$110K - $130K *

Oversee a dynamic outbound calling team focused on enhancing provider engagement. Drive metrics, improve processes, and ensure timely responses to prior authorization requests, directly impacting pati...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$107K - $227K *

Lead the enterprise data architecture strategy, ensuring scalable, secure, and AI-ready data platforms. Manage a team of data professionals while collaborating with stakeholders to align solutions wit...

Today

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

$110K - $125K *

Empower our mission by leading development strategies to enhance fundraising efforts. Drive individual giving and institutional partnerships while managing a dedicated team to achieve ambitious revenu...

1 week ago

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

$90K - $168K *

Shape the future of cloud infrastructure by leading DevOps initiatives, optimizing CI/CD pipelines, and fostering a culture of innovation across teams. Drive automation and operational excellence in a...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $168K *

Elevate your career by leading the strategy and delivery of cloud-native infrastructure. Oversee DevOps initiatives, ensuring high-performance workflows and automation practices while collaborating wi...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Oversee the academic department’s strategic direction, ensuring program quality and compliance while leading a team to enhance curriculum development and improve educational outcomes across the organi...

3 weeks ago

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

$98K - $135K *

Join a team that's driving healthcare innovation by managing enterprise-wide projects. Leverage your expertise in project management and interoperability to enhance operational processes and deliver s...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $110K *

Transform the lives of residents by leading dual memory care communities, ensuring exceptional care and compliance while fostering strong relationships with staff, families, and residents. Drive opera...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $197K *

Transform organizational priorities by serving as a strategic advisor to the CEO, leading cross-functional initiatives, and enhancing collaboration among senior leaders to drive accountability and mis...

Today

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

$150K - $197K *

Empower organizational success by serving as a strategic advisor to the CEO, leading cross-functional initiatives, and enhancing collaboration among senior leaders to drive accountability and mission...

Today

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

$150K - $197K *

Lead strategic initiatives as a trusted advisor to the CEO, enhancing organizational effectiveness through cross-functional collaboration, executive representation, and performance monitoring to achie...

RemoteRemote

Today

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

$150K - $197K *

Elevate organizational impact by serving as a strategic advisor to the CEO, driving cross-functional collaboration and ensuring alignment on key initiatives to achieve strategic goals and enhance over...

Today

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

$100K - $115K *

Transform your career by leading financial strategy and operations for innovative service lines. Collaborate with senior leaders to enhance profitability, oversee budgeting, and drive growth initiativ...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in providing transformative executive guidance during a critical transitional phase. Collaborate with the Board to ensure operational stability, support strategic partnerships, and uph...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$143K - $170K *

Champion your career by leading a dynamic team in managing complex projects. Drive customer satisfaction and profitability while fostering collaboration across departments to ensure timely deliverable...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Transform community development finance by leading impactful CRA initiatives. Oversee strategies, manage dedicated officers, and collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance lending, investment, a...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in driving CRA performance through finance initiatives, overseeing Community Development Officers, and forging strategic partnerships to enhance community outreach and achieve measurab...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $135K *

Unlock potential by leveraging your established CRE network to drive business growth. Engage with top property groups, navigate complex sales cycles, and close multi-site partnerships across key U.S...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$180K - $216K *

Transform financial and operational strategies within a mission-driven organization, partnering with leadership to enhance impact and sustainability while managing enterprise-level finance and robust...

3 weeks ago

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

$191K - $247K *

Lead and enhance operational excellence across medical, dental, and support services, driving strategic initiatives and fostering team development to achieve impactful healthcare outcomes...

1 week ago

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

$190K - $307K *

Partner with us to lead the operations of a critical department, ensuring safe community development and compliance with regulations. Oversee diverse teams and enhance public services through strategi...

3 weeks ago

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

$190K - $307K *

Reimagine urban development by leading strategic initiatives that enhance economic vitality and cultural vibrancy, overseeing a diverse team and budget to drive impactful programs and equitable growth...

3 weeks ago

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

$190K - $307K *

Execute strategic housing initiatives to enhance community well-being. Lead operational excellence, oversee budgets, and foster collaboration across functions. Drive innovative policies to increase af...

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $115K *

Elevate career pathways by leading innovative programs that attract and develop talent in the advancement profession. Drive strategic partnerships and ensure participant success through effective comp...

Today

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

$115K - $129K *

Shape the future of participant engagement by leading strategic initiatives that enhance satisfaction and growth. Own the development and execution of programs, fostering collaboration across departme...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.