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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$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...

4 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...

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  •   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...

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  •   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 6 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...

6 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...

1 week 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 - $130K *

Lead strategic philanthropy initiatives, cultivating relationships with donors and community leaders. Drive comprehensive fundraising strategies to support organizational goals and foster a culture of...

Today

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

$76K - $86K *

Transform the landscape of data management and research by enabling accurate reporting and compliance. Lead a team in driving strategic data initiatives and maintain robust governance standards to sup...

Reposted today

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

$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...

2 days ago

  •   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

$80K - $95K *

Transform workforce initiatives by leading innovative programs that drive economic mobility and create measurable impact for clients. Collaborate with stakeholders to design, test, and scale effective...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Empower small businesses by generating SBA loans through proactive outreach, networking, and community engagement. Achieve annual production goals while developing marketing strategies within budget c...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of financial resilience for domestic violence survivors. Lead a new team to develop trauma-informed programs, enhance financial literacy, and build partnerships that empower individua...

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

$149K - $224K *

Champion the end-to-end solution design for financial processes in a large-scale SAP S/4HANA modernization program, leading cross-functional teams to ensure quality delivery and integration across the...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $125K *

Champion the future of major donor engagement by crafting impactful strategies to enhance fundraising relationships. Cultivate connections with high-net-worth individuals and organizations, driving su...

4 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Transform operational excellence by leading regional residential programs, ensuring compliance, enhancing service quality, and developing strong leadership teams to meet strategic goals and uphold org...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Optimize operational excellence by leading regional residential programs, ensuring compliance, enhancing service quality, and developing strong leadership teams to align with organizational values and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$136K - $177K *

Lead strategic initiatives and drive business transformation by collaborating with senior leadership and key partners to enhance operational efficiency and achieve financial goals across the organizat...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$136K - $177K *

Shape strategic initiatives and drive business transformation by collaborating with senior leadership and key partners to enhance operational efficiency and achieve financial goals within the organiza...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$136K - $177K *

Elevate business performance by overseeing strategic initiatives and driving execution across teams. Collaborate with senior leadership to implement policies, analyze metrics, and enhance operational...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$136K - $177K *

Transform your career by driving strategic initiatives and business management for a leading financial services organization. Collaborate with senior leadership to enhance operational efficiency and a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$136K - $177K *

Transform your career by driving strategic initiatives and business management for a leading financial services organization. Collaborate with senior leadership to enhance operational efficiency and a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$96K - $123K *

Join a team that's dedicated to promoting equal rights and resolving conflicts. Lead community relations initiatives, oversee operations, and collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance understan...

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.