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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$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

$84K - $109K *

Champion impactful philanthropy through strategic relationship-building and engagement, connecting alumni and community to drive major and principal gifts aligned with the university’s mission and goa...

Victoria, BCIn-Person

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Empower organizational growth by designing and delivering innovative leadership development programs while collaborating with diverse stakeholders across the UN system, ensuring impactful learning exp...

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $225K *

Lead the technology strategy and delivery for the Client Platform, driving innovation and growth across institutional and wealth distribution channels. Collaborate with Product Owners to ensure succes...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $225K *

Champion the technology strategy and delivery for the Client Platform, driving innovation across institutional and wealth distribution. Collaborate with Product Owners to ensure scalable, secure solut...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$151K - $163K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team to enhance lawmaker engagement and drive impactful programming. Foster relations and innovative solutions while steering organizational growth and aligning s...

3 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer the future of AI in higher education by leading strategy, governance, and implementation across the university. Drive responsible AI adoption, enhance student success, and transform institutio...

2 weeks ago

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

$146K - $244K *

Lead strategic acquisitions and partnerships to drive growth initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing due diligence for impactful financial transactions that align with long...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Champion strategic fundraising initiatives and donor engagement to enhance institutional priorities while leading a high-performing team in creating meaningful philanthropic relationships and managing...

3 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Discover a pivotal role supporting the CEO and COO in advancing pipeline assets, strategic initiatives, and operational excellence within a dynamic biotech environment. Ideal for those with a strong b...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Champion commercial strategy and revenue growth across corporate, legal, and fund services in the Americas. Lead complex sales, build client relationships, and drive strategic proposals while collabor...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in driving UVC's strategic growth and fundraising efforts. Build strong relationships with partners, foster entrepreneurship, and manage resources to ensure financial sustainability wh...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $165K *

Champion strategic transformation by supporting the CEO in shaping and executing organizational goals. Drive board engagement, operational excellence, and sustainable systems that foster effective col...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $250K *

Transform the operational landscape of a leading vocational institution by driving growth, enhancing student success, and modernizing systems. Lead strategic initiatives, oversee compliance, and foste...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $250K *

Shape the future of vocational education by leading operational excellence, driving growth, and enhancing student success. Collaborate with executive leadership to modernize systems and expand educati...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Champion the development of charitable support, managing donor portfolios and collaborating with campus colleagues to enhance major gift fundraising efforts for the university...

6 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Support organizational growth by leading HR strategies, enhancing workforce engagement, and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with leadership to drive innovative recruitment and retention initiatives w...

4 days ago

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

$90K - $97K *

Drive philanthropic partnerships to enhance access and excellence in the arts. Lead major gift initiatives, cultivate donor relationships, and collaborate with university stakeholders to maximize fund...

2 weeks ago

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

$179K - $259K *

Lead the charge in enterprise-wide data warehousing, navigating design and development across multiple units. Drive data governance and AI initiatives while ensuring security compliance and operationa...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$250K - $350K *

Unlock potential by serving as a strategic advisor to executives, guiding organizations in workplace transformation, technology modernization, and data-driven strategies to enhance productivity and op...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.