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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$198K - $327K *

Transform the future of a leading employee-owned firm by driving operational excellence, enhancing client and employee experiences, and fostering sustainable growth through strategic leadership and co...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$224K - $374K *

Drive growth by consulting with financial institutions to enhance their wealth management offerings. Lead sales efforts, manage relationships, and ensure client success in a dynamic environment focuse...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $160K *

Drive the advancement of high-value, complex deals, partnering with C-Suite executives to create innovative solutions that expand the organization's portfolio and enhance strategic account growth...

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $105K *

Join a team that's redefining creator marketing by optimizing performance programs, engaging clients, and creating impactful strategies across various platforms. Shape and lead initiatives that enhanc...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $95K *

Empower executive operations by providing strategic support to the CEO, managing complex schedules, and enhancing communication across leadership. Drive initiatives and ensure timely execution in a fa...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading fundraising and marketing strategies that drive revenue growth and enhance donor engagement. Collaborate with a dynamic team to achieve financial sustainability and el...

Today

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

$95K - $110K *

Lead the charge in enhancing our Salesforce CRM and technology ecosystem. Collaborate across departments to ensure effective governance, reporting, and integration, while driving scalable solutions th...

1 week ago

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

$95K - $115K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Take ownership of complex database systems, collaborating with senior leaders to design, implement, and optimize solutions while providing technical expertise and thought leadership across multiple di...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Manage growth in the Technology and Automation sector by driving strategies, enhancing client relationships, and leading business acquisition efforts. Engage deeply with technical knowledge to align s...

Reposted 6 days ago

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

$90K - $120K *

Shape the future of community engagement by leading initiatives that enhance neighborhood safety and wellbeing. Collaborate closely with diverse stakeholders while managing a dedicated team to drive i...

3 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Elevate client services by leading teams to drive satisfaction, growth, and retention. Oversee cross-functional execution and enhance operational efficiency while expanding services in digital marketi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $129K *

Shape the future of corporate banking by providing timely, risk-based sanctions advice, assessing transactions against regulations, and collaborating across teams to enhance compliance and governance...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $220K *

Transform the future of biotech finance by leading strategic planning, guiding key investments, and developing comprehensive financial models. Collaborate with execs to enhance business performance an...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Elevate operational excellence across multi-site healthcare environments by leading performance, compliance, and strategic initiatives. Collaborate with C-suite and operational teams to drive efficien...

5 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of healthcare operations by providing strategic leadership across multiple facilities, enhancing performance, compliance, and financial sustainability while fostering collaboration an...

5 days ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Lead and scale a high-impact Program Management Office, enhancing delivery processes and aligning Research and Engineering teams amidst rapid organizational growth. Drive strategic projects while fost...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to deliver strategic financial management solutions as a Controller Consultant, providing clients with exceptional accounting support that drives growth and strengthens their operation...

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Drive security excellence by advising executive teams and leading enterprise security solutions. Influence the strategic direction of security services while navigating complex transformations and ens...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $96K *

Develop and lead partnership strategies to enhance educational outreach and engagement. Collaborate with K12 and higher education stakeholders to drive growth and sustainability, ensuring effective im...

5 days ago

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

$100K - $125K *

Shape the future of philanthropy by leading a dynamic team to enhance fundraising strategies, strengthen donor relationships, and drive impactful initiatives that support educational excellence and in...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Today

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

$95K - $115K *

Lead the management of military correspondence and tasking deliverables, ensuring timely responses and effective communication across NAVSEA. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance document quality...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$167K - $197K *

Join a team that's shaping financial strategy across key business areas. This vital role partners with senior leaders to drive operational success, manage a high-performing FP&A team, and influence co...

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4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Partner with us to lead transformative business development initiatives in life sciences. Drive revenue through strategic engagement with pharma/biotech partners, managing the full sales cycle and ens...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$148K - $234K *

Champion the strategic direction and governance of enterprise data, ensuring high-quality, accessible data that drives value across the organization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align p...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 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.