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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$73K - $105K *

Empower your career by providing vital operational support to enhance donor engagement and advance strategic initiatives. Collaborate with a dynamic team to facilitate impactful fundraising efforts an...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

4 days ago

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

$332K - $469K *

Drive strategic leadership in drug development, mentoring teams to optimize innovative therapies across diverse portfolios, ensuring alignment with business goals and fostering collaboration for impac...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $200K *

Accelerate progress at a leading federal technology firm by strategically guiding a portfolio of cloud and software development programs, ensuring optimal performance and fostering key customer relati...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive strategic leadership in next-gen technologies and application development, overseeing AI products and enterprise initiatives to enhance performance, engagement, and care delivery while ensuring...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Elevate strategic initiatives by leading diverse projects, enhancing team dynamics, and driving data-driven solutions. Collaborate across the organization to shape impactful strategies and foster a cu...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $200K *

Unlock potential by providing strategic support to the CEO, optimizing time and operations. Manage complex schedules, travel logistics, and communications, while collaborating with senior leaders to e...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$190K - $200K *

Pioneer program management by overseeing federal IT contracts and leading teams. Drive success through strategic planning, customer engagement, and financial oversight while enhancing service delivery...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $130K *

Manage complex IT projects by overseeing design, implementation, and testing phases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and compliance while driving successful project outcomes...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Lead and inspire a talented team to shape fundraising and communications strategies, manage a major gifts portfolio, and elevate the organization’s presence in the community while driving growth and a...

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Lead strategic fundraising and communications initiatives, manage a dedicated team, and shape organizational growth while enhancing community engagement and promoting the mission in the humanities sec...

2 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Drive capacity building initiatives to enhance staff skills in advancing racial and social justice. Collaborate with leadership to embed equity practices, evaluate programs, and manage resources, ensu...

4 days ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Reimagine public health by leading capacity-building initiatives that empower staff to advance racial and social justice. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to embed equity into practices and enhan...

4 days ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of technology strategy and operations. Lead cross-functional IT initiatives, enhance organizational effectiveness, and drive digital transformation to better serv...

1 week ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Shape the future of organizational strategy and performance excellence. Lead enterprise-wide initiatives, drive innovation, and ensure alignment with long-term goals while collaborating with executive...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $200K *

Join us to lead strategic initiatives that drive organizational excellence and growth. As a key advisor, you'll shape the future by identifying opportunities, fostering innovation, and ensuring alignm...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $200K *

Drive strategic vision and organizational excellence as a key advisor, shaping long-term growth initiatives and performance management. Collaborate with leadership to translate complex challenges into...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Transform financial operations by leading day-to-day accounting, optimizing processes, and ensuring audit readiness. Collaborate with teams to enhance data governance and support scalable growth while...

6 days ago

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

$110K - $124K *

Join a mission-driven team to cultivate major donors, enhance leadership giving, and drive philanthropic impact in the community. Leverage your expertise in fundraising to build relationships and secu...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$100K - $200K *

Shape the future of biotechnology by driving growth and forging strategic partnerships. As a leader, you’ll identify new opportunities and enhance market presence while collaborating with key stakehol...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$173K - $211K *

Join a team that's shaping community growth by leading development services. This role involves strategic planning, collaboration with stakeholders, and overseeing programs in planning, building, and...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Elevate organizational impact by leading strategic initiatives and partnerships. As a key executive, you'll drive growth, foster innovation, and ensure alignment across teams to meet community needs a...

2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Transform the technology landscape by leading cybersecurity and IT operations, ensuring secure, reliable services across diverse Diocesan entities while fostering innovation and strategic growth in al...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $200K *

Champion the airport's cybersecurity initiatives, directing policies and managing security teams to protect assets and data integrity. Collaborate with leadership on strategic security goals while ens...

3 weeks ago

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

$78K - $163K *

Lead a dynamic team to address operational gaps through capability integration and planning. Collaborate with various stakeholders to develop and implement innovative solutions that enhance mission ef...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $105K *

Empower financial sustainability through innovative grant management and development strategies. Lead donor cultivation, coordinate fundraising appeals, and oversee team efforts to ensure compliance a...

3 weeks 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.