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 *

Accelerate progress at our commercial engine by leading a high-performing team to drive pipeline growth, establish effective strategies, and enhance customer engagement across priority markets for sus...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$147K - $199K *

Lead cybersecurity initiatives by driving strategy, governance, and execution for complex programs. Foster relationships with stakeholders while enhancing security posture to meet evolving requirement...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $156K *

Champion project success by leading comprehensive program delivery and ensuring high-quality outcomes. Collaborate with stakeholders to align resources and strategies, driving strong customer engageme...

Tucson, AZRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Join us to lead and shape innovative policy advocacy strategies that drive community impact. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance grantmaking and advance critical legislative priorities ac...

Reposted 5 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Drive successful delivery of complex enterprise IT projects by leading cross-team coordination, managing system integrations, and ensuring alignment between business and IT for optimal outcomes...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$190K - $210K *

Drive successful delivery of program workstreams by managing schedules, budgets, and Agile teams. Utilize AI tools for planning and reporting while ensuring compliance and quality standards are met th...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $210K *

Lead the charge in managing complex project workstreams, coordinating Agile teams, and ensuring compliance with federal standards while leveraging AI tools for effective delivery and reporting...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $160K *

Engage your expertise to lead and enhance a comprehensive information security program. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, protect vital data assets, and foster a secure culture across the o...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$105K - $117K *

Drive operational excellence in a senior living community, ensuring exceptional care and satisfaction for residents. Lead a dedicated team, manage budgets, and foster an inclusive environment while ac...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Oversee operational readiness and response strategies, managing diverse teams and multi-agency coordination. Support incident management while maintaining compliance with national emergency standards...

3 weeks ago

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

$155K - $180K *

Lead the charge in project execution by defining goals, managing budgets, and ensuring quality deliverables while fostering collaboration across teams and stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $128K *

Help us drive impactful philanthropy by building relationships with major donors. In this collaborative role, you'll manage a portfolio, advocate for strategic projects, and create meaningful donor ex...

1 week ago

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

$90K - $110K *

Elevate regional growth by developing executive relationships and driving strategic account development. This role focuses on creating multi-site opportunities and positioning advanced security techno...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$83K - $116K *

Drive strategic operations and innovation as the Executive Director of a transformative community care center, enhancing behavioral health services and fostering partnerships to improve access and qua...

Yesterday

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

$160K - $200K *

Transform operational excellence by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing technology integration, and driving continuous improvement across multiple divisions to achieve organizational goals and el...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$165K - $205K *

Lead the federal growth strategy by developing innovative capture and proposal approaches, building key relationships, and driving revenue in a dynamic environment. Play a critical role in shaping org...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$90K - $127K *

Transform customer success by leading a high-performing team in educational technology. Drive adoption, loyalty, and retention while fostering executive relationships and a culture of empathy and cont...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $127K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing customer success in educational technology. Lead and develop a high-performing team, driving adoption, loyalty, and retention while fostering strong relations...

Kitchener, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$137K - $195K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing innovative product strategies, driving global development projects with significant impact. Collaborate across teams to enhance product offerings and ensure a...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Deliver innovative AI solutions by leading a high-performing team, guiding architecture, and fostering collaboration with business partners to enhance client experiences and drive strategic priorities...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$225K - $250K *

Join a team that's redefining innovation leadership by overseeing operations, enhancing member experiences, and driving growth within a vibrant ecosystem for life sciences and deep tech startups...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $132K *

Pioneer data governance initiatives by analyzing complex datasets, supporting compliance efforts, and collaborating with diverse teams to enhance data controls and mitigate risks. Influence strategy a...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$103K - $130K *

Explore a leadership role in data engineering, driving successful implementations for partner campuses. Leverage your technical expertise and people management skills to establish robust data integrat...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$100K - $170K *

Lead customer success initiatives by driving AI adoption and deployment across enterprise workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure measurable value and enhance operational efficien...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Help us shape a forward-thinking grants strategy that drives funding and program excellence. Lead a skilled team, manage complex grants, and collaborate across departments to maximize impact and compl...

Reposted 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.