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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$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving strategic IT initiatives and enhancing HUD's technology infrastructure. Collaborate with senior leaders to manage resources, ensure compliance, and lead innovative projects...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$190K - $240K *

Lead the AI for Impact strategy, driving innovative solutions to enhance economic mobility while managing risks. Collaborate across teams to ensure responsible AI practices and strengthen partnerships...

2 weeks ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Oversee the strategic development and operations of fundraising systems, ensuring data integrity and effective reporting. Collaborate cross-departmentally to support fundraising goals and enhance oper...

4 weeks ago

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

$135K - $150K *

Unlock potential by overseeing project operations and client relationships, driving growth through strategic partnerships and best practices. Lead teams to achieve business goals while ensuring high s...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role managing fundraising projects, collaborating with teams to enhance donor engagement and strategies, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with organizational goal...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$84K - $107K *

Optimize fundraising intelligence and pipeline data strategies to enhance operational effectiveness. Collaborate with teams to develop policies, streamline processes, and leverage AI for actionable in...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$165K - $200K *

Drive business development strategy across the AIC portfolio, maximizing revenue with DOD and commercial clients. Lead teams to execute plans, build pipelines, and create cross-portfolio opportunities...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$165K - $200K *

Architect a transformative business development strategy across our diverse portfolio, enhancing collaboration with DOD and commercial sectors to drive revenue growth and define unified value proposit...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Empower a comprehensive advancement program to enhance mission alignment and financial sustainability. Lead a dedicated team in fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship while collaboratin...

1 week ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Lead operational excellence and strategic vision across multiple locations, enhancing youth programs and ensuring financial sustainability. Collaborate with executive teams to drive impactful initiati...

2 weeks ago

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

$130K - $150K *

Transform organizational operations by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing program compliance, and driving growth. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize resources and ensure effective service...

1 week ago

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

$230K - $260K *

Champion the financial strategy and operations of an organization by leading budgeting, forecasting, and performance management, while collaborating with executive teams to drive long-term growth and...

Reposted yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Manage fiscal operations by developing budgets, overseeing grant compliance, and providing strategic financial leadership, while fostering accountability and collaboration throughout the organization...

4 weeks ago

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

$75K - $118K *

Drive impactful learning initiatives by designing and delivering training programs that enhance employee skills and organizational efficiency. Collaborate with teams to assess needs and measure traini...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Empower organizational growth by leading HR strategy, ensuring compliance, and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence across diverse ministries. Collaborate with executive leadership to alig...

1 week ago

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

$85K - $100K *

Drive philanthropic growth by managing major gift portfolios, cultivating relationships, and implementing fundraising strategies to support the College of Sciences and UCF's mission, while collaborati...

2 days ago

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

$220K - $240K *

Champion fundraising and policy initiatives to drive $3M annually, ensuring impactful external engagement and strategic partnerships while leading a dynamic philanthropy team focused on housing equity...

Reposted 5 days ago

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

$200K - $250K *

Lead strategic initiatives and enhance organizational effectiveness by partnering with senior executives, managing governance, and driving client engagement across the Platform organization to achieve...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $250K+*

The successful candidate will be an enterprise executive and accomplished technology leader. They will combine strategic vision with execution discipline, translate complex technical concepts into cle...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by providing strategic technology leadership to clients, translating business needs into actionable technology roadmaps and budgets. Collaborate with executives to enhance productivit...

British Columbia, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Collaborate with technology leaders to drive strategic initiatives, optimize investments, and enhance operational effectiveness. This role ensures alignment between technology and business goals, fost...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Empower organizational growth by developing strategic fundraising initiatives, managing donor relationships, and enhancing community engagement. This role blends communication, project management, and...

Yesterday

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

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's redefining fundraising as you lead strategic initiatives, cultivate donor relationships, and oversee innovative development programs that drive organizational growth and community i...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$465K - $500K+*

Lead the Integrated Development strategy, guiding product pipelines from discovery to registration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance health solutions, ensuring alignment with strateg...

6 days ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Empower strategic IT governance and leadership, ensuring alignment of technology investments with institutional goals while overseeing enterprise systems and fostering innovation across the university...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 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.