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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$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

$140K - $170K *

Empower impactful fundraising initiatives as a Senior Philanthropic Advisor. Drive major gift strategies, manage high-value donor relationships, and collaborate with diverse teams to significantly enh...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$140K - $170K *

Optimize major gift initiatives by managing a portfolio of high-value donors, securing gifts from $100K to $5M. Contribute to a growing fundraising strategy and build trusted relationships with high-n...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$140K - $170K *

Drive major gift initiatives by managing a 100-125 donor portfolio, securing $100K to $5M+ gifts. Collaborate nationally to enhance fundraising strategies and deepen donor relationships, contributing...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$140K - $170K *

Strategize major philanthropic initiatives by managing a key donor portfolio, securing multi-million dollar gifts to fuel fundraising growth, and cultivating trusted relationships with high-net-worth...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$140K - $170K *

Pioneer transformational impact in philanthropy by driving major gift initiatives, managing key donor portfolios, and fostering invaluable relationships that propel fundraising growth and strategy wit...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$175K - $225K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of development finance, leading complex transactions and investment strategies across U.S. markets. Drive growth by managing teams, cultivating relationships, and...

1 week ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in optimizing cross-functional initiatives that drive growth and efficiency across the organization. Own strategic projects from concept to execution while enhancing operational proces...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$210K - $250K *

Drive the security strategy for a rapidly growing fintech, leading program development, team building, and hands-on security operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to protect real money a...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Unlock growth by driving business development strategies, fostering key relationships, and spearheading pipeline opportunities with a focus on strategic and tactical execution to capture substantial c...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$79K - $118K *

Empower Milwaukee County by leading our data governance program, ensuring data quality and compliance. Collaborate across departments to optimize data assets and drive strategic initiatives for a heal...

1 week ago

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

$203K - $292K *

Champion transformative leadership in IT, driving innovation and strategic vision across enterprise technology services to enhance digital capabilities and support organizational goals...

Burnaby, BCIn-Person

4 days ago

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

$240K - $300K *

Champion clinical excellence by leading strategic initiatives, overseeing medical governance, and enhancing community health programs. Drive quality improvement and innovation in emergency medical ser...

Today

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

$190K - $260K *

Transform client delivery in biotech by leading a high-performing team, driving operational excellence, and fostering innovation. Champion technology adoption and continuous improvement to enhance cli...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Drive growth by managing complex enterprise sales cycles, building strategic client relationships, and delivering value through tailored solutions. Lead negotiation efforts and ensure successful deal...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $105K *

Make your mark at the executive level by providing high-level support to the President/CEO. This role involves managing schedules, coordinating communications, and ensuring strategic priorities are me...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$150K - $180K *

Transform IT leadership by overseeing technology strategy, infrastructure, and cybersecurity across multiple locations. Drive innovation, manage a skilled team, and ensure alignment with organizationa...

5 days ago

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

$170K - $200K *

Empower organizational growth by leading IT strategy, infrastructure, and cybersecurity across multiple locations. Drive technology integration and team development to enhance operational efficiency a...

5 days ago

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

$87K - $92K *

Advance philanthropic impact by managing major gift donor relationships, cultivating prospects, and securing transformational gifts. Collaborate with leadership to enhance donor engagement and support...

2 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Manage daily operations of onsite DCT personnel, ensuring efficient infrastructure monitoring, maintenance, and compliance for optimal facility conditions and safety across multiple sites...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Oversee daily operations of onsite personnel, ensure infrastructure monitoring, and manage preventative maintenance. Collaborate with teams to optimize efficiency and maintain a safe working environme...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $120K *

Partner with us to manage the development process, ensuring effective communication and coordination among stakeholders while overseeing design, schedules, budgets, and municipal approvals for success...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

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

$87K - $114K *

Transform partner engagement by developing and executing enablement programs that educate and empower partners, driving success and contributing to overall business growth through strategic collaborat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Drive the transformation of innovative ideas into production-ready features. Collaborate closely with leadership to ensure code quality, maintain accounting integrity, and enhance customer experiences...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.