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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$180K - $220K *

Elevate security leadership by architecting a global strategy, embedding security by design, and pioneering AI-first practices. Drive measurable risk reduction while fostering collaboration across tea...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Accelerate your career by leading global security strategy, integrating AI-first practices, and driving measurable risk reduction while collaborating closely with engineering and product teams to enha...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$72K - $90K *

Lead the charge in driving market growth by building strategic partnerships with property owners and developers. Manage outreach and deal execution while collaborating with internal teams to unlock re...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$90K - $135K *

Transform project delivery by leading initiatives from preconstruction to closeout, ensuring safety, quality, and financial performance while fostering strong client relationships and team collaborati...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $135K *

Advance your career by leading projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and quality standards. Collaborate with teams and clients to drive successful outcomes...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Transform the future of veterinary operations by leading multiple locations, ensuring high-quality care, operational excellence, and fostering a positive culture. Collaborate with teams to drive growt...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing community impact through strategic leadership in CRA initiatives. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to identify community needs and drive effective soluti...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$88K - $105K *

Drive the Bank's community development strategy by leading CRA initiatives across a five-state area. Collaborate with leadership to identify community needs and enhance the Bank's impact through strat...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Champion the Bank's CRA and community development strategy across five states. Collaborate with leadership to identify community needs, ensure compliance, and enhance community impact through strategi...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Elevate your career by leading our technology strategy and operations. Collaborate with teams to enhance IT security and manage risk while fostering innovation and effective solutions that support bus...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $170K *

Shape strategic initiatives and drive operational efficiency while collaborating with leadership to achieve organizational goals and foster a positive workplace culture that values diversity and inclu...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$100K - $120K *

Seeking an inspiring fundraising leader to cultivate major gifts, manage a skilled team, and develop actionable strategies that drive community impact and donor engagement within a Catholic organizati...

5 days ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to lead design and optimization of enterprise security controls. Focus on guarding data and networks utilizing advanced Palo Alto solutions while collaborating across various techn...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$107K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic initiatives that enhance fundraising performance and supporter engagement. Drive cross-functional collaboration, optimize processes, and leverage technology to ac...

1 week ago

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

$119K - $133K *

Transform strategic priorities into measurable results by leading cross-functional initiatives that enhance fundraising performance and supporter engagement while leveraging technology and automation...

1 week ago

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

$161K - $183K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of technology in education. Lead strategic initiatives, oversee cybersecurity, and enhance digital infrastructure to support academic and administrative excellenc...

5 days ago

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

$161K - $183K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of technology in education. Lead strategic initiatives, oversee cybersecurity, and enhance digital infrastructure to support academic and administrative excellenc...

5 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role that drives foundation donor engagement and fundraising efforts. Collaborate across departments to achieve annual revenue goals and support diverse programs throug...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of organizational effectiveness by leading strategies that enhance leadership capabilities, workforce readiness, and talent management. Collaborate with senior leaders to drive impact...

2 weeks ago

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

$145K - $185K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of defense by driving new business opportunities, building relationships, and leading contract execution within the Army's PAE Fires/Maneuver Ground sector. Take...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $185K *

Take ownership of a dynamic portfolio, driving new business within Army Aviation. Build relationships, shape solutions, and lead contract execution while managing risks and ensuring customer satisfact...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $185K *

Champion the growth of new business within the Army by building relationships, shaping solutions, and leading contract execution while managing a diverse portfolio and driving customer satisfaction th...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $185K *

Champion the growth of Army Aviation business by identifying, shaping, and executing new opportunities. Build trusted relationships, lead contract execution, and drive portfolio success while managing...

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6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$132K - $198K *

Shape the future of urban development by overseeing planning initiatives, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Drive comprehensive planning efforts and engage with community stake...

1 week ago

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

$80K *

Empower the future of data-driven decision-making by leading institutional research and analytics. Transform complex data into actionable insights to enhance student success and operational efficiency...

1 week 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.