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 - $130K *

Shape the future of organizational communications and information strategy. Lead executive decision support, storytelling, and equitable engagement to enhance accountability and operational effectiven...

2 weeks ago

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

$214K - $364K *

Accelerate progress at driving revenue growth and expanding market opportunities through strategic relationship management and consultative business development. Lead teams, foster client partnerships...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $135K *

Unlock your potential by leading a team dedicated to driving regional fundraising success, managing major donor engagement, and implementing strategies to cultivate relationships for impactful contrib...

3 weeks ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Unlock potential by leading M&A strategies, managing complex transactions, and developing a high-performing team to drive value creation and shareholder alignment in a dynamic corporate environment...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of developmental services by leading statewide operations, ensuring compliance, and enhancing program performance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dri...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in expanding client relationships and driving revenue growth within the legal services sector. This role requires strategic territory management and a consultative sales approach to es...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at expanding client relationships and driving new business opportunities in the legal services sector. Leverage consultative sales skills to position the company as a trusted partn...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $130K *

Transform client relationships and drive growth in a dynamic territory. Leverage your expertise in legal services to develop new business opportunities and enhance existing partnerships, positioning t...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $130K *

Transform client relationships and drive revenue growth by executing strategic business development initiatives within the legal services sector, focusing on expanding market presence and fostering pa...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in expanding client relationships and driving revenue growth in the legal services sector. Utilize your consultative sales skills to develop new business opportunities and position our...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate your career by driving business growth and client relationships in the legal services sector. Leverage your consultative sales skills to expand market presence and establish U.S. Legal Supp...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $130K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role focused on expanding client relationships and driving new business in the legal services sector. Leverage your consultative sales skills to achieve sales objective...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$118K - $158K *

Transform the CEO's office by driving strategic initiatives, managing executive priorities, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Leverage your expertise to enhance decision-making and operati...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$273K - $381K *

Collaborate with C-Level executives to develop strategic partnerships and drive business growth in the healthcare sector. This role requires cross-functional engagement and a deep understanding of fin...

Minnesota, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$105K - $115K *

Lead the charge in shaping a premier master-planned community, overseeing operations, governance, and resident experience while fostering collaboration among stakeholders and building high-performing...

1 week ago

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

$105K - $115K *

Drive community engagement and operations for a large-scale master-planned community. Lead strategic initiatives, build partnerships, and foster a thriving environment for residents while overseeing t...

1 week ago

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

$115K - $125K *

Lead community operations, governance, and engagement while partnering with developers and board members to enhance the resident experience. Drive financial performance, team development, and strategi...

2 weeks ago

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

$180K - $210K *

Champion fundraising initiatives across key markets, leading teams to cultivate donor relationships and implement strategic goals. Drive philanthropic support through major gifts, planned giving, and...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$180K - $210K *

Lead the charge in fundraising across key markets, managing teams and strategies to enhance donor engagement and achieve ambitious goals. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive philanthropic support a...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$170K - $200K *

Lead the charge in enhancing client onboarding and project management processes. Collaborate with teams to resolve complex issues, develop methodologies, and ensure seamless transitions for clients, d...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in financial strategy and administration, ensuring compliance and sustainability for a complex organization. Oversee grants management, accounting, and operational leadership while fos...

1 week ago

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

$110K - $120K *

Drive impactful fundraising strategies as a strategic leader in Development Operations, overseeing data insights, prospect management, and technology integration to enhance donor engagement and suppor...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$172K - $187K *

Join us in shaping the future of enterprise data architecture for a transformative SAP S/4HANA program. Lead a dynamic team, establish data governance, and ensure data quality across financial and org...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $147K *

Optimize software development processes by leading teams, ensuring quality, and fostering collaboration across departments to deliver innovative solutions that meet business needs...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$244K - $366K *

Transform technology leadership by driving strategic initiatives, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering innovation across a decentralized organization. Collaborate with stakeholders to align technolo...

Toronto, ONRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 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.