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Chief Development Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Amigos de Guadalupe

Chief Development Officer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Position Title Chief Development Officer Reports To CEO Direct Reports Communications Specialist (1) Status Full-Time, Exempt Location 100% On-site, Amigos Office in East San José, CA (1897 Alum ...

Arts for LA

Chief Development Officer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$260 - $300/hr

Chief Development Officer | Center Theatre Group - Los Angeles, California Center Theatre Group Overview Center Theatre Group (CTG), one of the nation's preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is ...

At The Well

Chief Development Officer

Escondido, CA · On-site

POSITION OVERVIEW At The Well is seeking an experienced Chief Development Officer (CDO) to serve as the organization's senior executive leader for contributed revenue and philanthropic sustainability.

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All JobsChief Development Officer JobsChief Development Officer Jobs in California

Chief Development Officer information

See California salary details

$54.8K

$133.7K

$209.2K

How much do chief development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief development officer in California is $133,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $157,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by chief development officers when leading fundraising initiatives?

Chief Development Officers (CDOs) often encounter challenges such as balancing short-term fundraising goals with long-term strategic growth, engaging diverse donor bases, and ensuring coordination between development, marketing, and program teams. They must also adapt to evolving donor expectations and leverage data-driven strategies to maximize fundraising efforts. Collaborative leadership, strong communication, and adaptability are vital for overcoming these hurdles and driving sustained organizational growth.

What is a Chief Development Officer?

A chief development officer (CDO) is an executive-level employee at a business or non-profit. As a CDO, your job duties include overseeing the financial stability, fundraising, or growth of the organization. You maintain close communication with internal executive officers, such as the CEO and CFO, advising them on strategies to improve donor relations or increase revenue while providing input for yearly budgets and other financial issues. Qualifications for this career include experience working in a senior business development position, such as a Director of In-House Consulting or Corporate Strategy. You should also have experience in improving business revenue and productivity. To succeed in this role, you must have a strong desire to do research, analyze data, and be able to work well alone and with others. A CDO typically has a bachelor’s degree and an MBA as well as strong leadership and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Development Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Development Officer, you need expertise in fundraising strategies, donor relations, and nonprofit management, often supported by a degree in business, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems (like Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge), analytics tools, and relevant certifications such as CFRE are typically essential. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and persuasive communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for securing resources, building strong partnerships, and advancing the organization’s mission.

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

AspectChief Development OfficerChief Fundraising Officer
Primary FocusOverall organizational growth, including development strategies, partnerships, and program expansionFundraising activities, donor relations, and revenue generation
Required CredentialsTypically advanced degrees in business, nonprofit management, or related fields; experience in development rolesSimilar credentials, often with emphasis on fundraising certifications or experience in donor engagement
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership in nonprofit or corporate settings, overseeing development teamsFundraising departments, donor relations teams, often within nonprofit organizations
Industry UsageCommonly used in nonprofits, educational institutions, and large corporationsPrimarily used in nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations

The Chief Development Officer focuses on broad organizational growth and development strategies, while the Chief Fundraising Officer specializes in fundraising efforts and donor relations. Both roles require similar credentials and often work closely, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Chief Development Officer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Development Officer jobs in California? The most popular types of Chief Development Officer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Chief Development Officer jobs? Cities in California with the most Chief Development Officer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Development Officer jobs in CA? For Chief Development Officer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chief Development Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Development Officer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,689 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Chief Development Officer

SC Staffing, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Chief Development Officer Location: Los Angeles, CA Salary: 140,000 - 180,000 We are seeking a Chief Development Officer for our Human Services organi...

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