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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$183K - $305K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in drug development by leading cross-functional teams, managing strategic plans, and mentoring talent to ensure successful project execution from preclinical stag...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$210K - $250K *

Drive strategic leadership and operational excellence across critical administrative functions, ensuring compliance, service delivery, and continuous improvement while fostering collaboration and acco...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $247K *

Champion the AI ecosystem by driving strategic partnerships and go-to-market strategies. Leverage your expertise in technology and real-world data to foster relationships with key industry players and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $247K *

Empower strategic growth in the AI ecosystem by developing key partnerships and driving innovative solutions. Lead business development efforts, leveraging real-world data to enhance product strategie...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $247K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of healthcare AI by developing strategic partnerships and driving commercial relationships. Leverage your expertise to set innovative go-to-market strategies and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $247K *

Drive strategic growth in the AI ecosystem by developing key partnerships and go-to-market strategies. Leverage your expertise in real-world data to enhance commercial relationships and lead innovativ...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $135K *

Transform operations and strategy at a leading educational institution, driving efficiency and alignment with mission. Lead budgeting, compliance, and resource optimization to enhance student success...

1 week ago

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

$104K - $137K *

Pioneer transformative initiatives by partnering with leaders to enhance operational effectiveness. Coach teams in Lean methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring data-d...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Transform the enterprise CRM function by leading the Salesforce platform, driving customer engagement strategies, and ensuring operational excellence across sales, service, and marketing teams for opt...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $190K *

Optimize financial strategies and operations by partnering with executive leadership to enhance organizational growth, manage risks, and oversee technology and facilities, ensuring alignment with long...

Yesterday

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

$140K - $160K *

Lead the charge in advancing secure development practices across teams by integrating security into the software lifecycle. Collaborate with global partners to strengthen CI/CD processes, drive risk a...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$273K - $381K *

Drive enterprise growth by building strategic partnerships with major health systems. Lead complex sales initiatives, collaborate across teams, and develop innovative solutions to enhance market share...

Minnesota, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$138K - $222K *

Transform delivery outcomes by leading the EVOLVE program, overseeing budget, vendor performance, and governance across all phases of a large-scale Oracle-based HR and ERP systems transformation, whil...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$107K - $199K *

Elevate your career by strategizing and implementing complex tech solutions. Lead project teams, conduct research, and mentor peers while driving operational excellence and stakeholder satisfaction in...

Missouri, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$123K - $166K *

Drive operational excellence by leading a team of program managers, enhancing client relationships, and ensuring high-quality deliverables while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strat...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in transforming client service delivery by driving operational excellence, enhancing client relationships, and fostering high-performing teams to achieve strategic business goals and e...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Create a robust IT framework overseeing dual systems: Google Workspace in NYC and Microsoft platforms in India. Lead IT infrastructure and strategy, ensuring seamless operations and security across bo...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$88K - $105K *

Engage and elevate HCF's creative vision by leading and executing high-impact design. Collaborate closely with teams to shape visual identity, enhance strategic messaging, and ensure brand consistency...

4 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Transform federal business development by leading strategic growth initiatives, building key relationships, and driving revenue in the government contracting sector. Leverage your expertise to establi...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Innovate client management strategies to drive growth and retention. Lead high-performing teams, enhance client relationships, and translate strategic goals into impactful results while fostering a cu...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Manage the One-Organization Enablement project, enhancing governance and decision-making across investment teams. Drive the implementation of Total Portfolio Approach best practices, ensuring effectiv...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Champion customer success by leading complex technical delivery projects. Drive execution across teams, ensuring timely deployments and adoption while translating business goals into actionable plans...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at the intersection of technology and customer success. Own the end-to-end delivery of complex systems, ensuring alignment with business goals while driving adoption and measurable...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$93K - $97K *

Empower data-driven decision-making across the College by coordinating analytics, reporting, and research initiatives, translating insights into actionable outcomes while ensuring data quality, compli...

3 weeks ago

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

$138K - $172K *

Inspire change by leading strategic philanthropy initiatives, managing major gifts, and enhancing donor engagement. Collaborate with executive leadership to drive fundraising success and cultivate tra...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

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.