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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$240K - $300K *

Elevate your career by leading financial strategy in a dynamic global health organization. Drive resilience, foster partnerships, and modernize operations while managing a high-performing team across...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$240K - $300K *

Unlock financial resilience and operational excellence as a strategic leader, guiding a global team through transformation while ensuring compliance and fostering partnerships with major health funder...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$240K - $300K *

Champion financial resilience and operational excellence in a strategic leadership role, driving innovative funding models and partnerships while leading a high-performing global finance team to navig...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$240K - $300K *

Lead the charge in financial resilience and operational excellence, driving strategic partnerships and modernization efforts. Oversee a globally distributed team while ensuring compliance and fosterin...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$240K - $300K *

Transform financial strategy and resilience in a global health organization. Lead diverse teams, enhance funder partnerships, and modernize operations to ensure sustainable growth and compliance in a...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $160K *

Elevate customer success by managing strategic accounts post-launch. Build relationships, drive adoption, and ensure satisfaction while identifying growth opportunities and resolving technical issues...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Engage stakeholders and elevate brand awareness by defining and implementing robust communication strategies. Build trusted relationships within the community and lead recruitment efforts in a competi...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$125K - $135K *

Transform the IT landscape by overseeing infrastructure, security, and end-user support while driving strategic planning and vendor management. Lead a hands-on team to ensure seamless technology opera...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $100K *

Lead the charge in cultivating and soliciting major gift donors while enhancing fundraising strategies. Collaborate with senior leadership to develop proposals and manage donor relationships, ensuring...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Elevate your career by partnering with the CEO to drive strategic initiatives, optimize operations, and enhance organizational effectiveness. You'll tackle complex challenges, support executive decisi...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

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

$88K - $105K *

Empower growth by identifying and managing new business opportunities, enhancing client relationships, and driving revenue through strategic initiatives and effective team management...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $100K *

Grow your career by leading major gift fundraising efforts, engaging alumni and donors to secure significant contributions. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance giving strategies and foster meani...

Yesterday

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

$160K - $190K *

Transform healthcare technology by leading a dynamic engineering team. Drive robust AI solutions for complex systems, implementing strategic initiatives that enhance customer success while optimizing...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Drive fundraising innovation and enablement by implementing technology solutions that enhance donor engagement and improve operational efficiency in a dynamic environment...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $225K *

Transform global operations by leading product strategy and AI-driven workflows. Collaborate with stakeholders to align technology and business priorities, ensuring measurable outcomes across investme...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $330K *

Transform the Federal Civilian landscape by leading strategic growth initiatives, building key relationships, and driving major competitive wins across agencies like DHS and DoS, ensuring sustainable...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion global learning initiatives that enhance leadership and organizational capabilities. Collaborate with senior leaders to design impactful training programs, leveraging technology to drive perf...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Champion operational excellence by enhancing systems and processes that drive franchisee performance and strategic initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement scalable solutions and improv...

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Innovate operational systems and processes to enhance franchise performance, drive efficiency, and support strategic initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop scalable solutions that align...

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$95K - $145K *

Optimize enterprise reporting solutions and enhance data governance while integrating and analyzing data across clinical and operational systems to support regulatory compliance and decision-making...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$96K *

Provide strategic leadership and operational management to enhance health equity and access through collaboration, resource development, and community partnerships, ensuring effective program implemen...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $102K *

Inspire growth by engaging and cultivating major donors to enhance regional philanthropy efforts. Collaborate with a dedicated team to develop strategies that meet fundraising goals and strengthen com...

4 days ago

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

$110K - $118K *

Join a team that's dedicated to empowering communities through disaster response. Oversee a diverse group of volunteers and staff to implement vital disaster services, ensuring readiness and effective...

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $118K *

Join a team that's dedicated to disaster response, overseeing a diverse group of volunteers and staff. Lead the implementation of vital services, engage communities, and ensure readiness for emergenci...

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $118K *

Contribute to disaster readiness by leading a diverse team to implement volunteer-led services, ensuring communities are prepared for emergencies. Drive program success and engage with partners to enh...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.