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Chief Development Officer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

BHcare

Chief Business Development Officer

North Haven, CT · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Chief Business Development Officer# Chief Business Development OfficerHot Job127 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT - North Haven, CT 06473## OverviewPosition TypeFull TimeEducation Level4 Year ...

Camp Jewell

Grant Controller

Hartford, CT · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the position manages the financial lifecycle of grants from proposal development and budget preparation through implementation, accounting ...

New

YMCA Of Greater Hartford

Grant Controller

Hartford, CT · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the position manages the financial lifecycle of grants from proposal development and budget preparation through implementation, accounting ...

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All JobsChief Development Officer JobsChief Development Officer Jobs in Connecticut

Chief Development Officer information

See Connecticut salary details

$52.8K

$128.9K

$201.7K

How much do chief development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief development officer in Connecticut is $128,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $152,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What does a chief development officer make?

A Chief Development Officer (CDO) typically earns a salary ranging from $100,000 to over $250,000 annually, depending on the organization size and industry. Compensation often includes bonuses, incentives, and benefits, reflecting the executive level and responsibility for fundraising, strategic growth, and development initiatives.
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For Chief Development Officer jobs in CT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Chief Development Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Development Officer job openings in Connecticut 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 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,864 per year, or $62 per hour.

Chief Development Officer (New London)

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

New London, CT • On-site

$150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

We’re looking for a visionary fundraising leader to help shape the future of philanthropy in Eastern Connecticut. The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is seeking a Chief Development Officer

to lead our fund development strategy and deepen the relationships that make lasting community impact possible across the 42 towns we serve.

This is an opportunity for an experienced development professional to bring bold thinking, trusted relationship-building, and a deep commitment to community into a senior leadership role. Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer will guide efforts to grow the Foundation’s endowment through major gifts, planned giving, annual appeals, grants, and strategic donor engagement.

In this role, you will:
  • Build and steward meaningful relationships with donors, prospects, professional advisors, trustees, corporations, foundations, and community partners.
  • Lead a comprehensive donor relations strategy that advances ambitious fundraising goals and strengthens long-term philanthropic investment.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to donors seeking to align their charitable goals with pressing community needs.
  • Champion planned giving, major gifts, annual appeals, grants, and strategic development systems.
  • Represent the Foundation as an ambassador and advocate for philanthropy throughout Eastern Connecticut.
  • Provide supportive leadership to the Director of Development and Director of Donor Relations.
The ideal candidate will bring:
  • 5-10 years of senior-level development or nonprofit leadership experience, including success in closing major gifts of $100,000 or more.
  • Deep knowledge of philanthropic trends, donor-advised funds, complex gifts, and planned giving strategies.
  • Exceptional communication, presentation, writing, and relationship-building skills.
  • A collaborative leadership style and the ability to inspire colleagues, trustees, committee members, donors, and community partners.
  • A strong commitment to helping people translate generosity into lasting local impact.
Employment benefits at the Community Foundation include:
  • Hybrid work schedule - generally Mondays and Fridays remote and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in office (schedule may change based on the need for in-person meetings or events)
  • 10% employer contribution to a 403(b) plan
  • 24 days of PTO and 12 paid holidays
  • Individual medical, dental, and vision – 90% employer-paid
  • Employer-paid Short and Long-term Disability and Life Insurance
Salary:

$150,000

If you are energized by mission-driven work, passionate about building enduring relationships, and ready to help grow resources for the people and communities of Eastern Connecticut, we would love to hear from you.

Join us in strengthening philanthropy, expanding opportunity, and investing in a thriving Eastern Connecticut.
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