1

Chief Development Officer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

OVERALL FUNCTION Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and EVP for Global Development, the Deputy Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President (SVP) is responsible for driving the ...

Chief Development Officer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

Why This Role Matters As Chief Development Officer, you will be the architect of the YMCA's next generation of philanthropy. Working closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, community ...

New

Events and Development Officer

Newton, MA · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Reports to Chief Development Officer Primary Objectives The Events and Development Officer is a key member of the Development team responsible for managing events and development operations to meet ...

Mid-Level Gifts Officer

Boston, MA · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Chief Development Officer JVS Boston Mid-Level Gifts Officer: Overall Summary The Mid-Level Gifts Officer is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing JVS's program for acquiring ...

Chief Advancement Officer

Boston, MA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chief Advancement Officer Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Management: Yes Exempt: Yes Annual ... Recruit, hire, manage, lead, and mentor staff responsible for development, marketing, and ...

Development Officer, Major Gifts

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Working closely with the Chief Development Officer, Senior Director of Individual and Institutional Giving, and the broader Development team, the Development Officer will develop and implement ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Chief Development Officer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$60.3K

$147.2K

$230.3K

How much do chief development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief development officer in Boston, MA is $147,159.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,100.00 and $173,800.00 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 cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Chief Development Officer jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Chief Development Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Development Officer job openings in Boston, MA 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 $147,159 per year, or $70.7 per hour.

Deputy Chief Development Officer

Osv_edf

Boston, MA

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Location

Hybrid from New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, or San Francisco

Duration

This is a regular full-time position with full benefits.

Application Instructions

Please include a cover letter with your application.

OVERALL FUNCTION

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and EVP for Global Development, the Deputy Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President (SVP) is responsible for driving the organization's revenue growth and sustainability.

The Deputy leads all high-functioning revenue-generating teams, including principal and major gifts, institutional giving, planned giving, membership, and mid-level giving. They serve on both the Development Leadership Team (DLT) and Organizational Leadership Team (OLT). They work closely with the Development Operations teams that are directly overseen by the CDO.

In partnership with the CDO, the Deputy provides strategic vision and leadership for EDF's philanthropic efforts, bringing fresh ideas, networks, and a demonstrated ability to build donor relationships in a global context. This role serves as the potential successor to the Chief Development Officer.

The ideal candidate has experience in diverse, international settings; deep knowledge of major donor and institutional fundraising; and a proven ability to build partnerships, market mission-driven organizations, and grow restricted and unrestricted revenue. Knowledge of the climate funding space is strongly preferred.

The Deputy oversees ~80 staffin the United States and around the world. Preferred locations listed above, with flexibility for the right candidate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Partner with DLT colleagues to develop and execute a revenue growth strategy that includes diversifying resources and that is aligned with EDF's mission priorities.

  • Identify and respond to shifts in the philanthropic landscape, including opportunities such as donor collaboratives in climate.

  • Leverage the Board of Directors to expand donor networks and prospects.

  • Lead development of innovative short- and long-term fundraising strategies in collaboration with mission teams.

  • Set clear priorities, goals, and metrics across revenue areas; monitor progress and address challenges proactively.

  • Foster a strong, donor-centered culture that drives engagement, retention, and new donor acquisition.

  • Oversee budgets and workforce planning to support revenue growth.

  • Mentor and develop staff, promoting a culture of performance and professional growth.

  • Lead special projects as requested by the CDO.

  • Serve as proxy for the CDO when needed, ensuring timely decisions with appropriate stakeholder input.

  • Contribute actively to DLT and OLT priorities and organizational effectiveness.

  • Support change management efforts across Global Development and EDF.

  • Participate in advancing EDF organizational effectiveness and culture goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

  • Significantexperience in nonprofit development, including direct donor engagement (cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).

  • Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in relevant field may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience.

  • Prior Chief Development Officer experience preferred.

  • Experience in environmental, climate, or related sectors preferred.

  • Ability to travel 15% of the time, mostly within the United States.

  • Extensive experience leading large, complex, and high-performing teams; global or matrixed experience a plus.

  • Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans and attain ambitious but achievable revenue goals.

  • Strong track record of building trusted relationships with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.

  • Collaborative, strategic mindset with strong judgment and decision-making skills

  • Problem-solving mindset with ability to develop creative solutions.

  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to navigate and articulate differing viewpoints effectively.

  • Experience leading through change and influencing organizational direction.

  • Data-driven with strong analytical and quantitative skills.

  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in fast-paced environments.

  • Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and consensus-building ability.

  • Inspiring, innovative, and mission-driven leader with strong cultural competency and commitment to inclusion.

  • Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.
Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

338,000 - 350,000 USD