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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$160K - $190K *

Oversee and optimize enterprise systems to enhance administrative and research operations. Lead a team to integrate technology solutions, ensuring alignment with strategic goals while fostering innova...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $190K *

Optimize the enterprise systems landscape to enhance administrative and research operations. Lead a team to integrate modern solutions, ensuring reliability and alignment with strategic goals while dr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $115K *

Drive strategic initiatives and support the CEO's vision by managing projects, crafting communications, and collaborating across teams to enhance organizational success and legislative objectives...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$85K - $115K *

Engage with leadership to drive strategic initiatives, manage projects, and support operations. Collaborate across teams to ensure effective communication of the CEO's vision while enhancing advocacy...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$125K - $145K *

Lead the charge in expanding major-gifts initiatives, building sustainable donor relationships, and executing strategic fundraising plans to support conservation efforts in Northern Virginia and beyon...

4 weeks ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Elevate your career by overseeing financial services, ensuring compliance, and delivering expert guidance to clients, while collaborating closely with internal teams to promote financial excellence an...

3 weeks ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional financial oversight and client service. Lead financial operations, ensure compliance and develop client relationships while mentoring staff in a...

Los Angeles, CARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$81K - $86K *

Join a team that's dedicated to building strong donor relationships and implementing effective fundraising strategies. You'll manage a portfolio of prospects, engage with diverse stakeholders, and dri...

Ohio, USRemote

6 days ago

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

$114K - $132K *

Pioneer strategic fundraising initiatives that cultivate donor relationships and secure six and seven-figure gifts. Collaborate across teams to enhance organizational impact and utilize donor insights...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$120K - $140K *

Inspire transformative philanthropy by cultivating relationships and securing major gifts to support bold initiatives. Collaborate to expand a diverse donor base, managing a dynamic portfolio while ac...

3 weeks ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by leading multi-disciplinary projects from inception to delivery. Utilize design thinking and project management tools to align teams and exceed client expectations in the medical...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $225K *

Unlock potential by overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of complex network infrastructures, ensuring robust security and performance while collaborating with various stakeholders to...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $225K *

Empower your potential while leading network management efforts, designing architectures, and resolving complex infrastructure issues. Collaborate with teams to enhance development capabilities and dr...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $225K *

Pioneer innovative strategies as a leader in municipal development services, overseeing Building, Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement divisions to enhance operations and customer satisfaction whil...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$160K - $190K *

Lead the charge in client delivery excellence, overseeing implementations and operational performance for strategic financial institutions. Drive team success, foster client relationships, and enhance...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$99K - $142K *

Innovate enterprise-grade data platforms by designing, building, and operating reliable cloud solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance data accessibility and quality, while enabling advance...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Analyze critical issues in Capital Infrastructure projects, focusing on DEP and DOT facilities. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop project scopes, cost estimates, and schedules while ensuring co...

5 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading strategic fundraising initiatives, driving revenue growth, and mentoring a dynamic development team while advancing our philanthropic mission to impact innovation and...

4 weeks ago

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

$90K - $112K *

Unlock potential by providing strategic financial leadership and operational oversight for a nonprofit organization. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure sound financial management, complia...

2 weeks ago

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

$140K - $170K *

Join a team that's driving significant fundraising initiatives, managing a portfolio of high-value major gift prospects, and building impactful relationships to secure substantial donations for a lead...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$140K - $170K *

Shape the future of philanthropy by managing a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects. Collaborate with high-net-worth individuals to secure significant donations while achieving strategic fu...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$140K - $170K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic major and principal gift fundraising efforts, managing a diverse portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects while achieving ambitious fundraising goals and...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$140K - $170K *

Transform donor relationships by strategically managing a 100-125 portfolio, driving major gifts from $100K to $5M+. Collaborate to achieve impressive fundraising goals at a nationally recognized nonp...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$140K - $170K *

Champion major gift initiatives through strategic moves management, cultivating deep relationships with high-net-worth donors. Manage a diverse portfolio, significantly contributing to annual fundrais...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$140K - $170K *

Unlock potential by engaging a diverse portfolio of high-net-worth donors to drive strategic fundraising initiatives and secure major gifts between $100K-$5M, ensuring continued growth in giving and a...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

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.