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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$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 the future of technology and information systems by leading strategic initiatives that enhance organizational efficiency, cybersecurity, and digital capabilities across a diverse, mission-dr...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

4 days ago

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

$130K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing educational philanthropy. Lead strategic initiatives across 16 colleges, oversee major giving programs, and enhance donor engagement while ensuring compliance...

6 days ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Lead the end-to-end onboarding for enterprise customers to ensure successful deployments. Collaborate cross-functionally to design scalable processes and enhance user adoption while establishing effec...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$90K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading data strategy and insights across the organization. Collaborate with teams to enhance data capabilities, drive decision-making, and support impactful initiatives that conne...

Burlington, ONIn-Person

4 days ago

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

$160K - $192K *

Drive executive support for senior leaders, optimizing schedules, managing projects, and enhancing team operations. Collaborate across departments to implement process improvements and ensure effectiv...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$75K - $110K *

Empower a thriving workplace by leading strategic HR initiatives, enhancing employee engagement, and fostering a culture of inclusion and development. Drive talent management and compliance to support...

Today

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

$125K - $140K *

Support executive leadership by managing complex schedules, enhancing workflow efficiency, and fostering company culture through event coordination and AI tool adoption. Be a strategic partner driving...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive data-informed decision-making and enhance organizational performance by leading analytics, GIS, and data strategy initiatives. Collaborate with city leaders to translate insights into actionable...

4 days ago

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

$275K - $375K *

Transform the technology landscape by leading strategic initiatives, ensuring operational efficiency, and driving innovation while managing risk and compliance in a dynamic banking environment...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $130K *

Advance strategic fundraising efforts by leading development initiatives, managing a skilled team, and cultivating donor relationships to support innovative missions and ensure long-term organizationa...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Transform data operations into actionable insights within a dynamic team. Leverage your expertise in knowledge management, data governance, and project coordination to enhance decision-making and stre...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in financial management, overseeing strategic planning, fiscal resources, and compliance. Drive long-term objectives while ensuring sound financial practices and effective team leaders...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in operational excellence and strategic growth within a mission-driven organization. Drive quality care across multiple facilities while fostering collaboration, accountability, and co...

1 week ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Empower impactful philanthropy by leading fundraising strategies across two foundations, fostering crucial relationships with donors and stakeholders to align with community needs and enhance philanth...

2 weeks ago

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

$135K - $190K *

Transform the education landscape by driving strategic partnerships and awareness across schools. Lead initiatives to enhance fundraising efforts, build relationships with key organizations, and deliv...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$74K - $99K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving impactful change in emerging markets. As a key player, you'll lead assessments and collaborate across functions to enhance our climate and impact measurement pr...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $182K *

Engage in dynamic fundraising, building donor relationships while advancing philanthropy for health initiatives. Collaborate with clinical leaders to support impactful medical research and education f...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $200K *

Drive growth by developing strategic relationships and capturing new opportunities in the government contracting sector. Lead business development efforts, focusing on pipeline development and proposa...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $200K *

Pioneer innovative program strategies to enhance services for youth facing homelessness. Lead a diverse team, manage operations, and drive change while fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplac...

5 days ago

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

$285K - $325K *

Champion product vision across subscription services, driving growth and innovation while ensuring product value for both consumers and partners. Lead a diverse team in executing strategic goals and o...

Temecula, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 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.