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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$95K - $115K *

Optimize project execution by leading cross-departmental teams, ensuring timely delivery and meeting stakeholder requirements while navigating the full project life-cycle in a dynamic environment...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$160K - $200K *

Transform enterprise customer experiences by leading a Forward Deployed Engineering team. Drive technical engagements, manage relationships, and ensure delivery excellence while scaling operations and...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $200K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing the In Vitro Diagnostics sector by driving innovative revenue strategies, optimizing sales operations, and collaborating across functions to enhance market presence...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Drive financial excellence as a senior leader, overseeing operations, strategy, and compliance in a dynamic nonprofit environment. Collaborate with executives to shape growth and ensure transparency a...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Optimize project execution as you lead healthcare technology implementations, ensuring seamless deployment and adoption within Federal programs. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive success and enh...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in transforming financial planning and analysis, partnering with executives to drive strategic decision-making, enhance performance management, and establish robust forecasting and bud...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Drive data quality and governance initiatives by leading a team focused on enhancing data accuracy and implementing innovative solutions in Global Wealth Management & Insurance, collaborating with cro...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Optimize fundraising operations by managing databases, donor communications, and grant administration. Collaborate with teams to enhance processes and ensure accurate data management, while supporting...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by managing development operations, enhancing fundraising systems, and ensuring data integrity. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes, support donor engagement, and drive...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Transform the landscape of philanthropy by leading strategic initiatives, fostering partnerships, and driving impactful programs that enhance community engagement and support organizational goals...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$121K - $178K *

Drive financial excellence by leading the Accounting team, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate across departments to support growth and...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $100K *

Champion impactful storytelling and integrated marketing strategies to drive philanthropic revenue and audience engagement, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance donor relationships and elevate b...

4 days ago

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

$125K - $140K *

Lead the charge in overseeing regional workforce operations, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring excellence in service delivery. Collaborate with teams to inspire innovation and uphold account...

2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $140K *

Advance regional operations by leading workforce initiatives, ensuring compliance, and driving strategic growth. Collaborate with teams to enhance performance and uphold quality standards while managi...

2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $140K *

Lead and oversee regional workforce operations, driving strategic execution and ensuring excellence in service delivery. Collaborate with teams to inspire innovation and uphold accountability across m...

2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $140K *

Transform workforce operations by leading regional initiatives, driving strategic execution, and ensuring excellence in service delivery. Inspire innovation and accountability while managing budgets a...

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead a dynamic development team, driving individual and institutional giving strategies while fostering key relationships. This pivotal role shapes fundraising efforts during a critical gro...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$350K *

Grow your career with a dynamic leadership role overseeing multiple divisions, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering key relationships to enhance business growth and sustainability in a high-gr...

Today

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Staffing

$200K - $300K *

Innovate and lead growth strategies as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, driving client acquisition and market expansion while building a high-performing business development organization...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to elevating fundraising strategies and leadership for major gifts. Collaborate with senior executives to drive impactful initiatives and enhance donor relationships withi...

4 days ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in strategic fundraising initiatives, collaborating with senior leadership to enhance major gift programs and drive philanthropic efforts for a comprehensive cancer center, while manag...

5 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing mental health services through strategic business development. Oversee marketing, sales, and customer service to drive utilization and growth in a dynamic out...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of behavioral health by leading business development efforts. Drive strategic marketing initiatives, enhance brand visibility, and foster community relationships to ensure optimal ser...

1 week ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Empower growth by leading strategic marketing initiatives, enhancing brand presence, and driving sales within a dynamic healthcare environment. Collaborate with teams to optimize service utilization a...

1 week ago

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

$210K - $240K *

Oversee strategic growth initiatives in clinical development, leveraging expertise to enhance operational delivery and client engagement. Drive innovative solutions and build strong partnerships to en...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.