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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$110K - $130K *

Elevate early childhood education by leading program management, ensuring compliance, and fostering high-quality standards. Partner with stakeholders to enhance educational outcomes and drive strategi...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$88K - $105K *

Build robust database systems and optimize data environments to support critical business operations, ensuring reliability, security, and performance in both cloud and on-premises platforms...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$88K - $105K *

Explore an impactful role overseeing database administration and analytics. Enhance database performance, ensure high availability, and drive continuous improvement in enterprise data services while c...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$91K - $153K *

Champion the development of cutting-edge offensive cyber capabilities, enhancing national security through innovative Computer Network Operations (CNO). Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, test...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$91K - $153K *

Unlock your potential by developing mission-critical offensive cyber capabilities. Join a dynamic team focused on advanced Computer Network Operations (CNO) to enhance national security systems and dr...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $190K *

Join a dynamic team to develop mission-critical offensive cyber capabilities, enhancing national security through innovative Computer Network Operations (CNO) solutions. Contribute your expertise in s...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$195K - $225K *

Partner with us to optimize supply chain operations, enhance vendor relationships, and drive cost efficiencies. Lead a dynamic team while ensuring seamless logistics and inventory management to meet c...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$300K - $350K *

Transform financial strategy at a leading organization by overseeing a $300M budget, modernizing systems, and building a high-performing team. Collaborate with executives to drive sustainable growth a...

5 days ago

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

$95K - $130K *

Lead the charge in driving growth by establishing new business relationships and securing core deposits. Collaborate with team members to deliver tailored banking solutions and enhance community prese...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$178K - $194K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role driving business development in U.S. Navy training markets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to expand our defense training solutions and shape opportunitie...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $100K *

Discover a rewarding opportunity to drive strategic growth and new business development in the Food Distribution sector. Use your expertise to lead initiatives, foster key partnerships, and achieve re...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$108K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic IT initiatives, optimizing resources, and ensuring secure systems operation while transforming business needs into innovative tech solutions for growth and effici...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Drive the development of innovative AI agents for Auto Insurance Claims, defining product strategy and execution in a regulated environment from concept to market validation, while collaborating with...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join us to pioneer a new agentic product line in auto insurance, focusing on AI-driven claims management. Shape strategies, enhance workflows, and deliver innovative solutions for enterprise customers...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Elevate your career by building innovative AI-powered solutions for claims. Collaborate with industry leaders, define product strategy from concept to market, and ensure seamless integration within en...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of a groundbreaking AI-driven product line for auto insurance claims. Engage with enterprise customers, set strategic direction, and build innovative soluti...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Engage clients by leading enterprise-level AWS projects focused on migration and modernization. Drive client satisfaction and project success through effective oversight and collaboration. Deliver mea...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$87K - $139K *

Shape community engagement by managing library operations, leading staff, and implementing innovative programs. Collaborate with partners to enhance services and ensure a diverse collection that meets...

Today

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

$85K - $153K *

Accelerate progress at the executive level by providing strategic support to the Americas Chief Risk Officer, managing communications, and driving AI initiatives to enhance productivity and decision-m...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Drive the financial and operational success of two organizations, ensuring strategic alignment and effective governance. Collaborate with leadership to enhance fiscal health, manage risks, and support...

5 days ago

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

$125K - $145K *

Shape the future of housing stability by leading strategic operations and oversight for a diverse portfolio, ensuring compliance, financial performance, and effective collaboration across departments...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in financial strategy and operational excellence, driving growth and sustainability for a mission-driven organization. Collaborate with leadership to implement innovative solutions and...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $120K *

Engage stakeholders by crafting compelling proposals and donor communications. Collaborate across departments to translate complex information into impactful narratives for major gifts, ensuring align...

2 weeks ago

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

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing student success through strategic fundraising. As a frontline gift officer, you'll cultivate donor relationships and drive scholarship initiatives, making a s...

Yesterday

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

$343K - $475K *

Drive financial strategy and operational excellence as a key leader, providing insights and recommendations to enhance growth and performance across the organization while ensuring compliance and effe...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.