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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$110K - $130K *

Drive the future of application development and integration by leading and mentoring a dynamic team to ensure secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions that align with institutional priori...

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Drive technical leadership and team management for application development and integration, overseeing the SDLC to deliver secure, reliable solutions that align with institutional priorities while men...

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in advancing application development and integration services, ensuring performance and alignment with university priorities while mentoring a skilled technical team and coordinating w...

3 weeks ago

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

$88K - $105K *

Lead transformative care initiatives as a Program Director, driving quality, compliance, and strategic growth across diverse support services while fostering collaborative partnerships with families a...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$230K - $368K *

Elevate global BD Excellence capabilities by defining strategies, leading transformation initiatives, and partnering with stakeholders to drive measurable improvement in operational performance and or...

Franklin Lakes, NJRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in database operations, ensuring optimal performance and security for mission-critical systems. Oversee a technical team while aligning with federal standards and integrating with deve...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$155K - $248K *

Lead the charge in optimizing transportation operations, delivering strategic oversight and direction for bus, rail, and fleet services. Foster relationships, enhance performance metrics, and ensure c...

2 weeks ago

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

$152K - $168K *

Join our team to lead and optimize a $50M Operating Grants program, stabilizing child care services across Alameda County. Drive strategic initiatives, manage grant processes, and ensure program effec...

2 weeks ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining operations in AI for manufacturing. Lead daily business functions, streamline processes, and enhance supplier and customer interactions while collaborating closely with f...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$160K - $200K *

Partner with us to lead daily operations, enhance customer delivery, and build scalable processes for our AI-driven solutions in manufacturing. Collaborate closely with founders to drive growth and op...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$83K - $93K *

Lead the charge in overseeing operations of housing programs, ensuring service quality and compliance while managing staff and stakeholder relationships to optimize community support and housing acces...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$173K - $272K *

Shape the future of digital health technology by leading strategy and execution across therapeutic areas. Drive compliance, optimize processes, and enhance service delivery while mentoring teams to ac...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in transforming application development and integration services, fostering innovation while managing a skilled team to deliver secure, reliable tech solutions that meet the evolving n...

3 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Drive financial strategy for impactful behavioral health services, overseeing budgeting, compliance, and team development while partnering with leadership to enhance organizational growth and sustaina...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$141K - $190K *

Lead service delivery initiatives to enhance child welfare programs, ensuring compliance and fostering equity. Collaborate with diverse teams to implement strategic directions and promote community pa...

Oshawa, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

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

$71K - $118K *

Champion innovative IT solutions by leading complex projects, ensuring data integrity, and fostering collaboration across departments. Drive strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency a...

Yesterday

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

$140K - $203K *

Join a dynamic team to drive strategic partnerships, enhance product initiatives, and collaborate across functions. Leverage your expertise to influence stakeholders and develop impactful solutions in...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Advance external partnership strategies to enhance community connections, strengthen brand reputation, and drive inclusion initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to evaluate effectiveness and alig...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $105K *

Empower property management teams to achieve operational excellence across multiple sites. Drive occupancy, budget adherence, and customer satisfaction through strategic planning, mentorship, and coll...

1 week ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to impactful environmental planning. You'll lead complex reviews, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure compliance with regulations while contributing to sustainable ur...

6 days ago

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

$114K *

Manage the Strategic Planning division to drive comprehensive planning initiatives. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to enhance urban development, equity, and environmental sustai...

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Champion growth by developing strategic partnerships and recruiting independent agencies. Drive membership expansion through proactive relationship-building and market insights while collaborating wit...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$173K - $272K *

Lead and optimize digital health technology strategy across therapeutic areas, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while managing service providers and driving innovation in clinical data m...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$173K - $272K *

Lead the strategy and execution of Digital Health Technology delivery, ensuring compliance and operational excellence across therapeutic areas while driving innovation and optimizing processes for imp...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $113K *

Unlock potential by managing regional grants and vendor contracts, ensuring compliance and efficiency in the Strong Workforce Program. Collaborate with community colleges to enhance project implementa...

2 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.