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 *

Champion strategic alliances by leading a national sales team, driving growth and collaboration with key partners. Inspire and motivate team members to exceed revenue targets while enhancing brand pre...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $120K *

Accelerate growth in the Assisted Living sector by leading business development initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving customer acquisition strategies to meet revenue obje...

Portland, ORRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $130K *

Lead multidisciplinary infrastructure programs, ensuring technical and regulatory success while managing risks and resources. Drive efficiencies and team alignment through strategic planning and effec...

1 week ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving strategic initiatives for the CEO, managing high-priority projects, and enhancing executive communication. This role demands strong analytical skills and the ability to navi...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Advance business growth in the US DoD market through strategic partnerships, opportunity shaping, and long-range pipeline management while collaborating with leadership and shaping bids to align tech...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$64K - $112K *

Unlock potential by collaborating with leadership to craft compelling donor materials, driving major gift strategies, and enhancing engagement across departments to support transformative funding init...

3 days ago

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

$165K - $180K *

Lead and inspire engineering teams to design, build, and scale our Salesforce platform. Drive technical strategy and execution while collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver secure...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$165K - $180K *

Transform the Salesforce ecosystem by leading engineering teams to design, build, and scale innovative solutions. Drive technical strategy and ensure high performance while mentoring talent and collab...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$165K - $180K *

Take ownership of the Salesforce engineering strategy, leading teams to design, build, and scale innovative solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure high performance and security while drivi...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$165K - $180K *

Champion the technical strategy and execution for Salesforce engineering, leading teams to deliver scalable, secure solutions while driving engineering excellence and collaboration across departments...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$183K - $305K *

Elevate your career by leading cross-functional teams in drug development. Drive strategic planning, manage risks, and mentor junior colleagues while influencing outcomes in a dynamic environment. Mak...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$183K - $305K *

Elevate your career by leading cross-functional teams in drug development. Drive strategic planning, manage budgets, and mentor colleagues while influencing project outcomes in a dynamic environment...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$183K - $305K *

Transform your career by leading cross-functional teams in drug development. Drive strategic planning, manage risks, and mentor talent while ensuring efficient project execution from preclinical stage...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$183K - $305K *

Pioneer operational leadership in drug development, guiding cross-functional teams to create strategic plans, manage budgets, and ensure timely execution from preclinical stages to commercialization w...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

$183K - $305K *

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

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

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.