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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$110K - $140K *

Lead and develop a high-performing sales team, implementing strategies to enhance customer engagement and drive profitability. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to optimize sales processes an...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Champion the strategy and adoption of data products to enhance international growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product vision, prioritize features, and ensure data quality, dri...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$77K - $104K *

Engage with customers to build a vibrant community and advocacy program. Drive strategy, foster relationships, and enhance customer experiences through data-driven insights and collaboration across te...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $100K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and implement innovative fundraising strategies that enhance institutional goals, cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, and drive philanthropic support for a vi...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $110K *

Join a dynamic team to elevate client success for enterprise partners, ensuring seamless onboarding and ongoing support. Drive engagement and satisfaction through tailored training and proactive relat...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to lead data governance initiatives, ensuring the effective management of data policies and onboarding processes across domains. Drive program operations, manage communications, an...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $270K *

Accelerate progress at multi-state market development by building key relationships, navigating complex contracting processes, and driving approvals in Medicaid and managed care environments. Own the...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$80K - $95K *

Champion integrated behavioral health services by leading clinical operations, ensuring compliance, and fostering team collaboration to enhance patient outcomes and program quality in a dynamic health...

2 weeks ago

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

$70K - $112K *

Shape the future of student success by cultivating partnerships with industry leaders. Drive business development initiatives and enhance co-op and workforce programs at a leading business school, ens...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

6 days ago

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

$230K - $300K *

Drive financial reporting excellence by owning key compliance and disclosure processes, leveraging AI for automation, and collaborating across teams to enhance accuracy and efficiency in external repo...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$230K - $300K *

Champion innovative financial reporting by owning key compliance processes, enhancing workflows, and leveraging AI tools to drive accuracy and efficiency in external disclosures and reporting practice...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's transforming client engagement through innovative SAAS solutions. Drive strategic insights, enhance client value, and collaborate on product development to ensure impactful deployme...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$114K - $122K *

Unlock potential by managing global operations and supporting initiatives. Collaborate across departments, oversee project management, and enhance communication with Global Workers to drive success in...

Yesterday

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

$156K - $234K *

Transform application systems by leading analysis and programming efforts, enhancing processes, and deploying innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve technology goals...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $135K *

Elevate client partnerships by leading strategic initiatives, managing cross-channel teams, and driving growth for diverse accounts. Foster collaboration and deliver exceptional results while navigati...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$255K - $402K *

Lead and empower a diverse team to enhance outsourcing strategies, ensuring quality and compliance in drug development. Drive innovation through strategic partnerships and data integration, aligning d...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$255K - $402K *

Lead and innovate within the Outsourcing team, driving strategic partnerships and operational excellence in drug metabolism and bioanalytical development, while managing a diverse team to enhance scie...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Champion the establishment of a robust data governance program supporting data quality and compliance. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to enhance stewardship practices and drive organizational a...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's defining and driving enterprise data governance for a federal agency. Collaborate with stakeholders to establish data quality frameworks and compliance protocols, ensuring best prac...

Washington, DCRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Champion operational excellence by managing AV/IT support contract performance, staffing, and compliance. Lead teams to enhance service delivery while ensuring cybersecurity adherence across all facil...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading mission-critical data center operations, ensuring infrastructure reliability, and driving performance excellence. Take ownership of governance, risk management, and cust...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$190K - $200K *

Unlock your potential by leading data transformation initiatives that enhance decision-making and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless data integration and governance...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$190K - $200K *

Transform data integration and governance by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing workflows, and enhancing data quality across enterprise systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensur...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$190K - $200K *

Join a team that's driving data transformation and integration initiatives, ensuring high-quality data governance and compliance. Lead strategic efforts to optimize data workflows while collaborating...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$190K - $200K *

Lead data transformation initiatives, ensuring seamless integration and governance across enterprise systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data quality and compliance while mento...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.