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Chief Development Officer Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Chief Development Officer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will lead the organization's strategic growth initiatives by developing and executing comprehensive fundraising and development strategies that align with the ...

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The Chief People Development Officer (CPDO) is a strategic architect of that transformation from a people and capability standpoint. This is not a program administration role. The CPDO will own the ...

The Chief People Development Officer (CPDO) is a strategic architect of that transformation from a people and capability standpoint. This is not a program administration role. The CPDO will own the ...

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, development, implementation, and evaluation of Georgia Wellness Group's non-medical programs ...

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Chief Development Officer information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$53.4K

$130.3K

$203.9K

How much do chief development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief development officer in Atlanta, GA is $130,269.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $153,900.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Development Officer jobs in Atlanta, GA?

The most popular types of Chief Development Officer jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Chief Development Officer jobs?

Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Chief Development Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Development Officer job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,264 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Chief Development Officer

Socket.dev

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

About the Role:

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will lead the organization's strategic growth initiatives by developing and executing comprehensive fundraising and development strategies that align with the company’s mission and long-term goals. This role is pivotal in cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with government agencies, corporate donors, and other key stakeholders to secure funding and support. The CDO will serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors, providing insights and guidance on development opportunities and organizational positioning. Additionally, the CDO will oversee capital campaigns and grant management efforts, ensuring compliance and maximizing revenue streams. A deep understanding of cyber security principles will be leveraged to protect sensitive donor and organizational information, reinforcing trust and integrity in all development activities.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in development, fundraising, or related roles, including leadership experience.
  • Proven track record in securing government contracts and managing corporate donor relationships.
  • Demonstrated experience leading successful capital campaigns and managing complex grant processes.
  • Strong knowledge of cyber security principles as they relate to data protection in fundraising activities.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Business Administration, Public Policy, or Nonprofit Leadership.
  • Experience working within or alongside nonprofit boards as a strategic advisor.
  • Familiarity with advanced marketing communications strategies tailored to fundraising and donor engagement.
  • Certification in grant writing or fundraising (e.g., CFRE) is highly desirable.
  • Experience in a national or multi-state organizational context within the United States.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and implement strategic plans to increase funding from government contracts, corporate donors, and other sources.
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders including government officials, corporate partners, and philanthropic organizations.
  • Lead and manage capital campaigns, ensuring clear communication, goal setting, and successful execution.
  • Oversee grant management processes, including proposal development, submission, compliance monitoring, and reporting.
  • Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors as a trusted advisor, providing regular updates and strategic recommendations.
  • Coordinate marketing communications to effectively promote fundraising initiatives and enhance organizational visibility.
  • Ensure cyber security best practices are integrated into all development operations to safeguard sensitive data.
  • Mentor and lead the development team to foster a high-performance culture focused on achieving fundraising goals.
Skills:

The Chief Development Officer will utilize strategic planning skills daily to design and adjust fundraising initiatives that meet evolving organizational needs. Government contracting expertise will be essential for navigating regulatory requirements and securing public funding. Relationship-building skills will be critical in establishing trust and long-term partnerships with corporate donors and board members. Marketing communications abilities will support the creation of compelling campaigns that engage diverse audiences and promote the organization’s mission. Additionally, knowledge of cyber security will be applied to protect sensitive donor information and ensure compliance with data privacy standards, maintaining the organization's reputation and stakeholder confidence.

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