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Chief Development Officer Museum Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Moran Company

Chief Development Officer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Chief Development Officer Newhouse Kansas City, Missouri (hybrid) The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Newhouse to recruit the organization's next Chief Development Officer (CDO). This is an ...

TNC Community

Chief Development Officer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

Chief Development Officer Newhouse Kansas City, Missouri (hybrid) The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Newhouse to recruit the organization's next Chief Development Officer (CDO). This is an ...

Omega Institute For Holistic Studies, Inc.

NY · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Chief Development Officer Full Time Rhinebeck, NY, US 30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1697 Salary Range: $135,000.00 To $150,000.00 Annually Chief Development Officer Omega was founded as a nonprofit ...

Current Newspaper

Chief Development Officer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Chief Development Officer Public Media Connect | CET & ThinkTV Cincinnati, Ohio | Full-Time, Exempt Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000 This is an important moment for public media. Public media has ...

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Chief Development Officer Museum information

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$55.5K

$135.5K

$212K

How much do chief development officer museum jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief development officer museum in the United States is $135,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,500.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief development officer do in a museum?

A Chief Development Officer (CDO) in a museum is responsible for leading the organization’s fundraising and development strategies. This includes overseeing donor relations, managing fundraising campaigns, securing grants, and building partnerships to support the museum’s mission and financial sustainability. The CDO often works closely with the executive team and board members to set fundraising goals and cultivate major gifts. They also supervise development staff and ensure compliance with fundraising best practices and ethical standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief development officer in a museum?

To thrive as a Chief Development Officer in a museum, you need expertise in fundraising, donor relations, and strategic planning, often supported by a degree in nonprofit management or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems like Raiser’s Edge, as well as knowledge of grant writing and CRM platforms, is crucial. Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies drive successful fundraising campaigns, ensure strong stakeholder engagement, and support the financial sustainability of the museum.

How does a chief development officer at a museum typically collaborate with curators, educators, and external stakeholders?

A Chief Development Officer (CDO) at a museum works closely with curators and educators to align fundraising initiatives with the institution's exhibitions, educational programs, and strategic priorities. This collaboration ensures that donor appeals and grant proposals effectively communicate the museum's mission and project needs. The CDO also regularly interacts with board members, volunteers, and community partners to cultivate relationships and secure financial support. Building these internal and external partnerships is crucial for developing successful fundraising campaigns and expanding the museum’s reach.

What is the difference between Chief Development Officer Museum vs Fundraising Director Museum?

AspectChief Development Officer MuseumFundraising Director Museum
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees in management, nonprofit administration, or related fields; experience in leadership rolesOften requires experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, or related fields; may have certifications like CFRE
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level setting, strategic planning, overseeing development teamsOperational role, focusing on executing fundraising campaigns and donor relations
Industry UsageUsed in large museums with complex development departmentsCommon in museums of all sizes, especially where direct fundraising activities are emphasized

The Chief Development Officer Museum holds a senior leadership role responsible for overall development strategy, including major gifts, grants, and institutional growth. In contrast, the Fundraising Director Museum focuses more on executing fundraising initiatives and managing donor relations. While both roles require fundraising experience, the CDO has broader strategic responsibilities and leadership duties within the museum's development department.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Development Officer Museum jobs?

For Chief Development Officer Museum jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chief Development Officer Museum job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,463 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Chief Development Officer (Chicago)

Chicago, IL • On-site

Inside Philanthropy
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Inside Philanthropyexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Chief Development Officer

CHICAGO, IL

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (the Museum), the public face of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, is one of Chicago's most distinctive cultural and scientific institutions. For nearly 170 years, the Museum has connected people with nature and science through exhibits, education, conservation, community science, and environmental engagement.

The Museum is entering a period of growth and ambition, with increased attendance, expanded programming, stronger community engagement, and a bold vision for the future. Planned investments in exhibitions, learning spaces, conservation, climate resiliency, and public engagement create a compelling opportunity to deepen philanthropic support.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will serve as the Museum's senior fundraising leader and a key partner to the Board, executive leadership, and staff. The CDO will lead advancement strategy across major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, events, stewardship, and campaign planning while maintaining an active portfolio of donors and prospects.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, relationship-driven, and entrepreneurial fundraising executive with a record of securing significant philanthropic investments, building donor pipelines, strengthening development systems, and connecting donors to mission. They will be energized by the opportunity to build fundraising infrastructure and internal systems, creating structure from ambiguity while using data and fundraising technology to guide decisions. They will be a compelling storyteller, collaborative partner, and visible ambassador for the Museum's work in science education, conservation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

For more information about the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum please visit https://naturemuseum.org/.

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