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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$115K - $150K *

Optimize nonprofit operations by leading transformative projects that enhance financial sustainability and organizational effectiveness. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to implement innovative t...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$115K - $150K *

Drive transformative change in nonprofit organizations by leading operational excellence and technology modernization initiatives. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance financial sustainabi...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$115K - $150K *

Transform the nonprofit sector by leading operational excellence and technology modernization initiatives. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance financial sustainability and drive impactful...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$115K - $150K *

Engage with nonprofit organizations to enhance operational excellence and financial sustainability. Leverage your consulting expertise to lead transformative projects, optimize processes, and drive im...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$115K - $150K *

Engineer transformative solutions for nonprofits, enhancing operational excellence and financial sustainability. Collaborate with leadership to modernize systems, optimize processes, and drive impactf...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$86K - $135K *

Transform naval technology by designing cloud solutions and DevSecOps pipelines. Leverage your expertise in AWS and systems integration to support U.S. Navy programs, ensuring robust software developm...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $160K *

Lead community operations by driving revenue, ensuring compliance, and fostering a resident-focused culture. Oversee staff development and quality assurance while managing financial performance and en...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$100K - $120K *

Transform housing preservation efforts by supporting operations and administration. Collaborate with teams to enhance affordable housing programs, manage HR processes, and ensure effective budget coor...

4 days ago

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

$85K - $90K *

Elevate community engagement by building trusted relationships with senior living staff and residents. Act as a vital connector, ensuring seamless access to on-site care services while fostering colla...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team as a leader driving business development in the life sciences sector. You'll cultivate client relationships, generate sales leads, and design strategic solutions to enhance our ser...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career by leading institutional fundraising efforts to drive impactful change. Collaborate with diverse teams to secure significant investments that enhance community health, education, a...

1 week ago

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

$272K - $374K *

Champion security excellence by advising CISOs and tech leaders, bridging customer needs with engineering insights to enhance AI deployment and risk management strategies across enterprise environment...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$293K - $455K *

Execute high-impact investments and partnerships, advancing global health solutions at the intersection of life sciences and private capital. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to identify opportun...

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Help us manage financial operations by analyzing budgets, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Collaborate with intergovernmental bodies to support effective financial...

5 days ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Lead a dedicated team in effective property management, ensuring optimal operations, tenant relations, and collaboration with social services to enhance community living standards and uphold organizat...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Optimize property management and operations by leading a dedicated team, ensuring tenant satisfaction, and fostering community partnerships while maintaining compliance with housing regulations and fi...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$152K - $185K *

Drive excellence in procurement for a vital educational portfolio, maximizing outcomes through strategic leadership, innovative practices, and collaborative engagement with stakeholders to support the...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Champion initiatives that drive enterprise transformation and operational excellence. Lead the deployment of the Cadre Operating Model, partnering with executives to create actionable roadmaps and mea...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $150K *

Drive strategic fundraising and communications initiatives to enhance visibility, engage stakeholders, and secure philanthropic support, while collaborating with leadership to achieve organizational g...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$76K - $90K *

Drive operational excellence by managing finance, administration, and office resources. Collaborate with leadership to streamline processes, support committees, and ensure effective organizational ope...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Accelerate progress at fundraising initiatives by leading a dynamic team, forging strategic partnerships, and driving community engagement to achieve ambitious revenue goals and enhance philanthropic...

Today

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

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's driving fundraising efforts to support health initiatives. Lead, inspire, and manage dedicated staff while cultivating essential community and corporate partnerships to achieve ambi...

Reposted yesterday

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

$90K - $105K *

Empower client success by managing project structures and processes, ensuring operational visibility and consistency. Drive high-quality service delivery through effective coordination and communicati...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $165K *

Accelerate donor engagement and major gifts cultivation to support vital AI policy initiatives. Manage a dynamic portfolio, orchestrate impactful events, and serve as a key liaison to elevate philanth...

3 weeks ago

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

$130K - $165K *

Drive major gifts strategy and engagement to secure funding from influential donors in the tech sector. Cultivate relationships and lead events in the Bay Area, aligning donor interests with crucial 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.