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

Trustees

Chief Development Officer

Boston, MA · On-site

$258.12 - $331.88/hr

As Chief Development Officer (CDO), you will play a critical leadership role in shaping the future of philanthropy at The Trustees--building the relationships, strategies, and culture necessary to ...

Osv_edf

Deputy Chief Development Officer

Boston, MA

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 ...

JVS Boston

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 ...

MSPCA-Angell

Development Officer, Major Gifts

Boston, MA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

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 ...

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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 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief development officer in Boston, MA is $147,165.00, 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 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 cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Chief Development Officer jobs?

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

Chief Development Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Development Officer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,165 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Chief Development Officer

Association of Fundraising Professionals

Boston, MA • On-site

$150 - $225/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

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Job description

About the Somerville YMCA

The Somerville YMCA is a cornerstone of the community. For over 150 years, we have strengthened individuals and families through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

As we look to the future, the YMCA is preparing for transformational growth—including plans for a new 130,000 square foot facility featuring affordable housing, expanded aquatics, wellness spaces, and enhanced youth programming. This is a pivotal moment to expand our philanthropic impact and deepen community support.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a growing development function at a mission-driven organization poised for growth.

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will partner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to design and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy, establish key systems and relationships, and position the YMCA for future campaign readiness.

This role is ideal for a strategic, relationship-driven leader who is energized by building programs, creating structure, and expanding impact.

Position Summary

The Chief Development Officer is a senior leadership role responsible for leading all aspects of fundraising and related communications.

Reporting to the President & CEO and serving on the leadership team, the CDO will establish and grow a comprehensive development program, with a focus on major gifts, annual giving, institutional partnerships, and campaign strategy. The CDO will play a critical role in building a culture of philanthropy, strengthening donor relationships, and positioning the YMCA for its upcoming capital campaign.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership

Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the YMCA’s strategic and capital priorities

Partner with the CEO and Board to advance fundraising goals and community visibility

Help build and sustain a strong culture of philanthropy across staff, Board, and volunteers

Lead the development of a clear and compelling case for support

Fundraising & Revenue Growth

Build and lead a major gifts program, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects

Oversee all fundraising streams, including annual fund, events, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and in-kind support

Expand and strengthen all fundraising streams, including annual giving, events, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants

Identify new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships

Support planning for future capital and comprehensive campaign efforts

Board & Volunteer Engagement

Serve as the primary staff partner to the Board on fundraising initiatives

Partner with the CEO to strengthen Board engagement and accountability in fundraising

Support and guide volunteer-led fundraising and community engagement efforts

Communications & External Relations

Oversee messaging and communications strategy to support fundraising and visibility

Ensure consistent, compelling messaging across donor materials and outreach channels

Represent the YMCA in the community to build relationships and increase awareness

Operations, Finance & Infrastructure

Establish systems, processes, and metrics to track fundraising performance

Oversee donor database (CRM) strategy and reporting

Develop and manage the development budget and revenue projections

Partner with finance to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of contributions

Ensure adherence to fundraising best practices and ethical standards

First-Year Priorities

Assess current fundraising landscape and opportunities

Build an initial major donor pipeline and strengthen donor engagement practices

Establish foundational systems, processes, and performance metrics

Partner with CEO and Board to clarify fundraising roles and expectations

Lay groundwork for future campaign readiness

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus

10+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with increasing leadership responsibility

Demonstrated success securing 6+7 figure major gifts and building donor relationships, securing 8-figure gifts a plus

Experience leading or supporting capital campaigns strongly preferred

Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies

Strong leadership and team management experience

Experience building and working with Boards and engaging volunteers in fundraising

Proficiency with donor databases/CRMs and data-driven decision-making

Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills

Ability to work both strategically and hands-on in a dynamic environment

Passion for the YMCA mission and commitment to community impact

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