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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$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

$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...

2 weeks 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...

1 week 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...

2 days ago

  •   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

$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

$80K - $113K *

Bring your expertise to manage regional grants and vendor contracts, ensuring compliance and effective program implementation. Collaborate with community colleges to support workforce initiatives and...

2 weeks ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Unlock the potential of data architecture by leading strategic initiatives that align technology with business goals. Drive innovation, establish governance, and mentor a high-performing team to enhan...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in developing scalable CRM and marketing solutions, overseeing the full software development lifecycle while mentoring a team of engineers and ensuring seamless integration of customer...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$158K - $220K *

Optimize integrations by collaborating with ISVs to enhance their products with MongoDB. You'll design and implement solutions in production environments, ensuring maintainable code while enabling par...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$190K - $240K *

Accelerate impactful growth and engagement for global communities, enhancing trust and local economies. Lead senior executive collaborations and refine strategies that shape sustainable business pract...

Reposted 4 days ago

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

$193K - $228K *

Join a dynamic team to lead M&A transactions and strategic investments, driving growth and innovation. Collaborate with senior leadership to shape market strategies and enhance corporate development o...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team to manage and enhance SQL Server platforms, ensuring optimal performance and reliability through maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting. This role offers the chance to deepen...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K *

Shape the future of support services by managing team performance, engaging stakeholders, and implementing key interventions for individuals in crisis while fostering professional development and coll...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $100K *

Unlock your potential by driving business growth through strategic partnerships in real estate. You'll manage high-volume pipelines, develop territory strategies, and nurture key relationships, while...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$115K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing nonprofit operations and impact. Leverage your finance and consulting expertise to lead transformative projects, optimize processes, and drive sustainability...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$115K - $150K *

Lead transformative initiatives for nonprofit organizations, enhancing operational efficiency and financial sustainability. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to modernize systems and processes, en...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$115K - $150K *

Transform nonprofit operations by leveraging your finance expertise to enhance organizational effectiveness, drive technology modernization, and ensure financial sustainability. Collaborate with diver...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$115K - $150K *

Elevate your career by leading transformative projects for nonprofits. Utilize your finance and consulting expertise to enhance operational efficiency, drive technology modernization, and support miss...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$115K - $150K *

Lead transformative initiatives for nonprofit organizations, enhancing operational excellence and financial sustainability. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to modernize systems and processes, en...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$115K - $150K *

Elevate your career by leading transformative initiatives for nonprofit organizations. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and mission impact th...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

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.