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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Chief Development Officer (CDO) Jobs

Average Salary: $150,537

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Top companies hiring for Chief Development Officer (CDO)

GovCIO American Red Cross City Of New York SAIC OpenGov United Nations Dine Development Corporation TIAA Elevance Health Blackbaud, Inc.City of Philadelphia ManTech International Duke Energy Corporation University of Miami NeighborWorks America

Top similar job titles to Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Executive Director jobs Development Officer jobs Chief Financial Officer jobs Development Manager jobs Project Manager jobs Business Development Manager jobs Data Science Manager jobs Director jobs Chief Operating Officer jobs Chief Development Officer jobs Chief Technology Officer jobs Public Administration Manager jobs Senior Program Manager jobs Senior Project Manager jobs Head of Product jobs

Top cities hiring for Chief Development Officer (CDO)

New York, NY jobs Washington, DC jobs Chicago, IL jobs San Francisco, CA jobs Toronto, ON jobs Philadelphia, PA jobs Boston, MA jobs Dallas, TX jobs Denver, CO jobs Miami, FL jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Chief Development Officer?
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?
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?
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?
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?
You can browse Chief Development Officer openings on Ladders, which focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more.