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 - $165K *

Drive customer engagement and business development efforts, overseeing a team focused on account management and expansion within the Career Exploration Services portfolio. Collaborate cross-functional...

4 weeks ago

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

$176K - $239K *

Lead the charge in cybersecurity as a strategic advisor, architecting national security initiatives and overseeing enterprise risk management while fostering collaboration across government and indust...

Today

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

$66K - $108K *

Engage in strategic business development to drive branch growth and profitability. Lead a high-performing team, enhance customer relationships, and ensure compliance while achieving financial goals th...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $200K *

Drive sales success at defined territories by leading relationships, generating new leads, and orchestrating multi-suite ERP strategies for government clients while ensuring exceptional service and in...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $200K *

Transform client relationships by leading sales efforts in a defined territory, focusing on new business development and strategic account management to achieve growth and exceptional customer service...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$70K - $120K *

Innovate your career by developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies to enhance internal and external engagement. Collaborate with partners to create impactful media and presentati...

3 weeks ago

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

$177K - $322K *

Lead the execution of the Lumina Agentic Platform, ensuring delivery quality, cross-pod coordination, and operational readiness for AI capabilities. Drive alignment across teams to enhance platform sc...

6 days ago

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

$210K - $250K *

Lead the charge in delivering strategic CFO advisory services while managing complex financial engagements. Collaborate with clients to enhance performance, support transactions, and expand business r...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Lead the charge in transforming procurement processes by leveraging technology and data. Drive cross-departmental initiatives to enhance efficiency and supplier engagement, while managing a team focus...

6 days ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Elevate your career by providing strategic leadership in operations and risk management, ensuring effective integration of finance, technology, and human resources to support organizational goals and...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Shape strategic operations and risk management, ensuring integrated systems and processes across finance, HR, and technology. Drive continuous improvement and compliance while fostering a culture of a...

1 week ago

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

$115K - $136K *

Drive the architecture and integration of an enterprise data platform, focusing on innovative solutions that enhance scalability, security, and reusability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $219K *

Innovate community development strategies by leading planning and building safety initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance service delivery, manage budgets, and drive operational excelle...

5 days ago

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

$180K - $219K *

Shape the future of community development by leading strategic initiatives, managing diverse teams, and enhancing service delivery in planning and building safety. Drive impactful projects and foster...

5 days ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to develop major gift fundraising strategies, build relationships with donors, and enhance philanthropic support for IANR. Collaborate with leadership to drive impactful initiative...

2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by collaborating with clients to design and deploy cutting-edge GenAI and Agentic AI solutions, navigating challenges from initial discussions through to live production, while ensuri...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the transformation of client challenges into innovative GenAI solutions by partnering with teams across engineering and business spheres, driving hands-on AI application development from concept...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $250K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic development and planning initiatives. Collaborate with senior leaders to enhance operational effectiveness and drive business transformation in a dynamic environm...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Transform the future of nonprofit finance by leading strategic initiatives, ensuring compliance, and fostering team growth. Drive financial sustainability and operational excellence to support individ...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Transform your career by leading operations in a dynamic senior living community. Drive resident satisfaction, manage staff, and ensure financial health while fostering relationships with local stakeh...

2 weeks ago

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

$246K - $332K *

Lead a dynamic team in shaping clinical development strategies for rare kidney diseases. Collaborate across functions to drive innovative trials, ensuring patient-centered approaches and operational f...

San Diego, CARemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to drive strategic learning initiatives, enhance leadership capabilities, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. Lead program design and implementation...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$121K - $170K *

Drive your career forward as a strategic leader, guiding enterprise-level technology solutions. Engage with executive stakeholders, architect innovative multi-practice solutions, and influence digital...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$185K - $225K *

Drive technology strategy and operations across multiple verticals, ensuring alignment and execution of initiatives. Lead transformation efforts, manage delivery standards, and oversee organizational...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $120K *

Drive business growth in the Assisted Living sector by leading customer acquisition strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and executing sales plans to enhance revenue objectives and m...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.