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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$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...

3 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...

6 days 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...

6 days 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

$210K - $240K *

Transform the future of clinical development by leading strategic initiatives, fostering client relationships, and driving innovative solutions in a dynamic, global environment. Shape best practices a...

Durham, NCRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $165K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of educational facilities by overseeing pre-construction activities, managing project teams, and ensuring successful execution of multiple school projects while c...

Yesterday

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

$85K - $156K *

Elevate the enterprise data governance strategy by translating it into actionable plans and driving initiatives to enhance data trust while fostering collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholder...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$214K - $364K *

Champion growth by driving revenue and expanding market opportunities through strategic relationship management and consultative business development. Lead teams, enhance performance, and execute init...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Transform social impact strategies by leading cross-sector initiatives, managing teams, and delivering measurable outcomes. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that d...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$145K - $225K *

Lead the charge in software development, driving innovation and collaboration across teams. Oversee strategic planning and team development to enhance product quality and efficiency, while fostering a...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $125K *

Develop and execute strategic sales initiatives to drive revenue growth through relationship-building and prospecting in the Maryland region while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance...

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $125K *

Engage with regional teams to drive strategic sales initiatives and relationship management. Foster connections with key referents, represent the organization professionally, and collaborate on commun...

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Drive the growth and engagement of a vibrant business community in San Diego. Lead a team, foster relationships, and create impactful events for CEOs and executives, enhancing local connections and ex...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Transform IT operations by leading a hands-on team to ensure seamless infrastructure, security, and support for a growing organization. Drive efficiency and reliability for 150-200 users while alignin...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Drive growth by shaping strategic partnerships and optimizing processes in a dynamic business development role. Collaborate with teams to enhance e-commerce performance, create lead generation strateg...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $190K *

Lead the transformation of AI and data strategy, driving innovation and governance across the organization. Shape the future of enterprise capabilities while ensuring compliance and maximizing operati...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$73K - $115K *

Elevate your career by driving impactful business development initiatives, collaborating with legal professionals to create compelling proposals and marketing materials that enhance client engagement...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$73K - $115K *

Support business development initiatives by creating proposals, RFPs, and marketing materials. Collaborate with attorneys and management to enhance client engagement and ensure high-quality communicat...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$73K - $115K *

Drive business development initiatives by crafting compelling proposals, RFPs, and presentations. Collaborate with attorneys and marketing teams to enhance client engagement and support corporate prac...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$313K - $340K *

Transform your career by driving strategic initiatives across a multi-asset portfolio. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate opportunities, support decision-making, and lead market asses...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 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.