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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$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in establishing a robust data governance framework while managing a dynamic analytics team. Drive enterprise reporting, ensure data quality, and foster collaboration across departments...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$137K - $152K *

Join a team that's driving impactful strategic initiatives! This role leads strategic planning and execution while fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational goals and enhance...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team as a strategic leader, driving technology initiatives that enhance growth, operational efficiency, and customer experience. Inspire innovation, manage IT operations, and ensure com...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $98K *

Join a team that's driving New York City's capital projects, managing a diverse portfolio of design and construction initiatives valued at $100 million. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Drive client engagement and business growth in the legal sector by building trusted relationships, expanding account portfolios, and delivering impactful litigation support services across law firms a...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to cultivate major gifts, develop donor strategies, and enhance philanthropic support. Engage with alumni and stakeholders to align their interests with institutional priorities, d...

1 week ago

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

$100K - $150K *

Partner with us to drive business development and territory management in the RIA channel. Leverage your expertise to build client relationships, influence decision-making, and achieve growth goals wh...

Illinois, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $150K *

Engage with clients and prospects to drive business growth in the RIA channel. Leverage your expertise in financial services and territory management to build lasting relationships and influence advis...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $150K *

Lead business development efforts in the RIA channel, driving client acquisition and territory growth. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance client relationships and deliver comprehensive solution...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic business development in the Independent Broker/Dealer channel, driving client acquisition and territory growth. Work closely with a dedicated team to shape client...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Bring your expertise to lead financial strategy and compliance in a pivotal role. Manage accounting and IT departments, directing budgeting, audits, and financial reporting to align resources with org...

4 weeks ago

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

$195K - $307K *

Drive cross-organizational alignment and optimize engineering operations as a trusted advisor to leadership. Leverage deep technical expertise to evaluate complex architectures and ensure strategic in...

Seattle, WARemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$77K - $96K *

Oversee the analysis and evaluation of business operations, managing budgeting, procurement, and performance metrics. Collaborate with departments to enhance efficiency and ensure compliance while dri...

Yesterday

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

$80K - $95K *

Elevate the quality of care by overseeing education, infection control, and quality assurance in a long-term care setting. Collaborate with staff to enhance clinical skills and ensure regulatory compl...

6 days ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Shape the future of technology at a leading cultural institution by strategically guiding IT initiatives, enhancing digital infrastructure, and leading a diverse team to boost organizational efficienc...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in shaping and managing AI initiatives, driving program governance, and ensuring scalable AI adoption within the healthcare system to enhance patient care and operational efficiency ac...

3 weeks ago

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

$272K - $369K *

Transform the scientific ecosystem by leading strategic initiatives, facilitating executive collaboration, and driving multi-stakeholder projects to enhance decision-making and program effectiveness a...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in legal technology by leveraging your extensive sales expertise to acquire new enterprise accounts and exceed revenue targets across the Americas, while collabor...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$180K - $300K *

Join a team that's driving corporate development initiatives, managing M&A processes, and collaborating with leadership to identify and execute strategic acquisitions that enhance growth and innovatio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $120K *

Bring your expertise to drive significant philanthropic growth, lead a team of Philanthropy Officers, and manage high-value donor relationships while ensuring alignment with our mission. Champion a do...

Florida, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Champion project execution and bid preparation, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance. Collaborate with teams to manage costs and deadlines while fostering customer satisfaction and mentoring staff...

Delta, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Manage and oversee multiple construction projects, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance. Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders while driving project success through effective leadersh...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$76K - $122K *

Elevate your career by managing operations and leading teams to enhance organizational effectiveness. Utilize your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities to drive projects and improve process...

3 days ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Transform fundraising strategies and donor engagement to drive revenue growth. Lead innovative initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and cultivate meaningful relationships to support the org...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

Today

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

$89K - $100K *

Elevate community impact by fostering relationships, utilizing philanthropic tools, and translating community needs into actionable strategies to enhance partnerships and promote social change across...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.