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

$425K - $475K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of private equity investments. This senior role focuses on sourcing, underwriting, and managing high-quality partnerships, driving strategic decisions to enhance...

Today

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

$155K - $170K *

Champion strategic initiatives and lead complex projects to enhance organizational growth. Collaborate with senior leadership and the Board to drive long-term planning and operational excellence while...

2 weeks ago

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

$180K - $220K *

Transform administrative operations by leading the Contracts function, enhancing compliance, and driving growth through strategic oversight and integration of acquired entities while ensuring operatio...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$210K - $265K *

Accelerate innovation by leading technology strategy and execution across engineering, architecture, AI, and cloud operations. Drive modernization and operational excellence while ensuring security an...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$170K - $190K *

Join a team that's transforming behavioral health care delivery through innovative leadership and strategic oversight. Drive operational excellence and improve client outcomes across multiple sites wh...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Champion organizational excellence by leading administrative operations, enhancing efficiency, and driving strategic initiatives across multiple locations to support growth and mission fulfillment...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$105K - $108K *

Lead the charge in advancing economic research and policy analysis, utilizing econometric and data science expertise to evaluate public policies and model economic outcomes, while mentoring a team and...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and executing a strategic resource development plan, enhancing donor engagement, and overseeing grant management to support the mission of the organization an...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Transform the future of aging by leading impactful strategies, aligning research and programs with social outcomes, and fostering partnerships that enhance community resilience and equity for older ad...

Reposted 4 days ago

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

$110K *

Shape the future of human services by providing strategic leadership for service excellence, growth, and community inclusion. Collaborate with executives, direct service teams, and stakeholders to enh...

4 weeks ago

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

$110K *

Join a team that's focused on empowering individuals and leading services in a dynamic environment. Drive growth, build partnerships, and enhance service delivery while fostering inclusive practices f...

4 weeks ago

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

$110K *

Lead innovative service strategies, fostering growth and excellence within a dedicated team. Collaborate across organizational levels to enhance person-centered practices and expand community services...

4 weeks ago

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

$145K - $160K *

Shape the future of higher education by identifying funding opportunities, managing grants, and fostering partnerships. Leverage your expertise to advance strategic goals and enhance upward mobility t...

Today

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

$100K - $120K *

Drive exceptional living experiences for seniors by leading a dedicated team, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and resident satisfaction in a vibrant community setting. Make a m...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$109K - $136K *

Join us in enhancing workforce training and leadership development initiatives to foster a positive culture and support high-quality autism care. Collaborate with leaders to develop tailored programs...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $220K *

Strategize and lead our technological vision, driving innovation and developing cutting-edge products that impact billions while inspiring high-performance engineering teams in a fast-paced environmen...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $135K *

Engage in transformative fundraising efforts by developing and executing strategies to cultivate major donors, enhance community support, and lead impactful events that align with organizational prior...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $94K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role in fundraising, managing donor relationships, and securing support for institutional priorities. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance engagement and a...

Today

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

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in transforming children's services by overseeing diverse programs, ensuring high standards of care, and fostering a supportive, inclusive culture while driving strategic initiatives a...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$165K - $190K *

Lead the charge in federal business development, driving growth through strategic opportunity management, relationship building, and compliance. Collaborate with teams to enhance pipeline health and s...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$236K *

Grow your career with a leadership role in data architecture, overseeing a team to design and implement enterprise data solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to align data strategies with business...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $170K *

Play a key role in shaping organizational strategy and operations, partnering with the CEO to enhance talent management, performance processes, and culture. Drive critical initiatives in a rapidly gro...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $205K *

Join a team that's driving M&A success by leading financial strategy, target evaluation, and integration planning. Collaborate with senior leaders to identify opportunities and execute critical phases...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in enhancing user experience by collaborating with customers to ensure services meet their needs, maximizing value and satisfaction through effective experience-level agreements and qu...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Elevate the fundraising strategy by leading non-federal development initiatives, integrating corporate partnerships, foundation relations, and individual giving into a cohesive revenue engine. Foster...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 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.