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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$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

$250K - $350K *

Drive strategic direction and operational leadership, ensuring high-quality, culturally competent elder care while engaging stakeholders and fostering organizational growth and alignment in a dynamic...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K *

Lead the charge in providing strategic technology consulting and advisory support to senior stakeholders, driving data, AI, and digital transformation initiatives while fostering trusted relationships...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$182K - $232K *

Drive transformational philanthropy by managing high-value donor relationships, crafting strategic fundraising initiatives, and collaborating with campus leaders to support UC Berkeley's mission and p...

1 week ago

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

$400K - $445K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of digital health by driving growth, expanding market access, and architecting commercial strategies that integrate innovative technologies for long-term success...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$190K - $270K *

Elevate commercial initiatives by driving go-to-market strategies, managing cross-team collaborations, and delivering executive insights while resolving ambiguities in a dynamic environment. You'll pl...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$76K - $115K *

Drive impactful research strategies by collaborating with senior education leaders, providing expert insights, and fostering deep understanding of key challenges. Engage with clients through presentat...

Reposted yesterday

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

$125K - $150K *

Optimize mission-focused cyber capabilities by leading a diverse team of experts. Drive innovation, ensure program excellence, and capture new business opportunities while supporting national security...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $140K *

Join our dynamic team to drive business development across Federal Agencies, leveraging relationships and strategic insights to secure new contracts and enhance growth. Collaborate with diverse teams...

Rockville, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $134K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing major gifts fundraising for the Anne Frank Center. You'll manage a comprehensive development program, collaborating with alumni and donors to enhance engageme...

6 days ago

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

$128K - $166K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of vibrant senior living communities. Oversee project lifecycles from concept to occupancy, ensuring alignment with market needs and operational goals while...

6 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Manage and optimize partnerships with Community Health Centers, ensuring alignment on clinical, operational, and financial goals while delivering exceptional patient outcomes through strategic oversig...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$107K - $128K *

Transform your career by leading maintenance operations in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance service delivery, manage budgets, and ensure compliance while fostering a te...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

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

$120K - $145K *

Accelerate our growth by partnering with leadership to evaluate and execute strategic initiatives, enhance investor relations, and drive operational excellence. This role requires a blend of financial...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Unlock new business opportunities by developing strategic relationships with regional financial institutions, driving growth through consultative sales and tailored solutions in cash management and se...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $140K *

Lead a team that transforms ULI's web presence into a cohesive, modern platform. Drive technical solutions, oversee Azure hosting, and enhance member experiences through innovative web development and...

Yesterday

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

$90K - $105K *

Elevate your career by ensuring financial integrity for development projects. Collaborate with project managers, analyze costs, and maintain compliance with GAAP while providing timely decision suppor...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Empower data governance by defining business terms, managing master data, and leading data stewardship across operating companies. Drive adoption of reusable data products and ensure data quality whil...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by driving operational excellence across revenue functions. You'll streamline processes, enhance CRM systems, and foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure the executive team st...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$274K - $457K *

Shape the future of clinical development by leading cross-functional teams, guiding global projects, and driving innovative strategies for regulatory submissions and drug approval in Internal Medicine...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$274K - $457K *

Shape the future of clinical development by leading cross-functional teams to design, execute, and interpret studies, ensuring successful regulatory submissions and optimal drug development strategies...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$228K - $381K *

Lead the charge in clinical development by managing cross-functional teams for innovative medical assets, ensuring regulatory compliance and successful global submissions while driving strategic insig...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$274K - $457K *

Manage global clinical development initiatives in Internal Medicine, ensuring alignment across cross-functional teams. Drive strategy and execution of studies, regulatory submissions, and support pedi...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$274K - $457K *

Drive clinical development strategies for internal medicine assets, leading a cross-functional team to ensure successful implementation of clinical trials and regulatory submissions while acting as a...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$274K - $457K *

Reimagine clinical development leadership by driving innovative strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and managing global regulatory submissions to enhance patient access and outcomes...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.