ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chief Development Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fountain House

Chief Development Officer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$275K - $290K/yr

The Chief Development Officer is a leader who not only delivers results but embodies the values of the clubhouse model, demonstrating what we call our HERO characteristics: fierce optimism ...

Somerville YMCA

Chief Development Officer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$150K - $160K/yr

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 ...

Sesame Workshop

Chief Development Officer

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$400K - $425K/yr

The Chief Development Officer will provide internal leadership across a matrixed environment, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Trustees, and the Finance, Strategy ...

Sesame Workshop

Chief Development Officer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$400K - $425K/yr

The Chief Development Officer will provide internal leadership across a matrixed environment, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Trustees, and the Finance, Strategy ...

ROME GROUP

Chief Development Officer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Chief Development Officer (CDO) Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) seeks an experienced Chief Development Officer (CDO) to serve as the lead fundraising strategist to build and implement the ...

American Humane

Chief Development Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$230K - $250K/yr

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for forging key relationships to build American Humane Society's visibility, impact and financial resources with the primary objective of driving ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChief Development Officer Jobs

Chief Development Officer information

See salary details

$55.5K

$135.5K

$212K

How much do chief development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief development officer in the United States is $135,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,500.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

A Business Development Manager (BDM) role can be stressful due to targets, client negotiations, and workload management. The level of stress varies based on industry, company culture, and individual skills in sales and relationship building.

What does a Chief Development Officer do?

A Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for overseeing an organization’s development and growth strategies, including fundraising, strategic partnerships, and program expansion. They often lead teams, develop long-term plans, and utilize tools like CRM systems to manage donor relationships and development initiatives.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Chief Development Officers in large corporations or successful entrepreneurs in industries like finance, technology, or real estate can earn $1,000,000 or more annually through salaries, bonuses, and equity. High-level executive roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, with compensation heavily influenced by company performance and stock options.

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.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Chief Development Officers and other executive-level roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and surgeons can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and are common in large corporations, finance, healthcare, and technology sectors.
More about Chief Development Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief Development Officer jobs? Cities with the most Chief Development Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Development Officer jobs? The most popular types of Chief Development Officer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Chief Development Officer jobs? The top employers for Chief Development Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Chief Development Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Development Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chief Development Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Development Officer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Development Officer jobs? For Chief Development Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chief Development Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Development Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,463 per year, or $65.1 per hour.
Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer

Knoxville's Community Development Corporation

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

With a mission to collaborate with the Knoxville community to create and preserve housing opportunities and strengthen neighborhoods, Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) is the housing authority and the redevelopment agency driving change throughout Knoxville.
KCDC is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead the organization's housing development and neighborhood redevelopment initiatives. From revitalizing residential neighborhoods to catalyzing investment in commercial corridors, this position serves as a strategic and operational leader working in close partnership with the CEO and executive leadership team. KCDC serves as its own development lead and this role will actively guide projects through pre-development, design, and construction-working directly with architects, engineers, and contractors to deliver high-quality developments.
The CDO will provide leadership for KCDC's internally driven real estate development initiatives, guiding complex housing and redevelopment projects from early planning and financing through construction and stabilization. This leader will work closely with public and private partners to assemble sophisticated capital stacks, structure transformative projects, and deliver developments that will shape Knoxville's neighborhoods for generations to come.
This is a unique opportunity for a development leader to apply their expertise in affordable housing finance, redevelopment strategy, and public-private partnerships to projects that create lasting community impact.
The CDO will join a tight-knit executive leadership team that includes a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Housing Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer. Together, this leadership team is shaping the future of Knoxville's communities.
Priorities
  • Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with the CEO, executive leadership, and staff to support KCDC's mission and long-term success.
  • Provide executive leadership for KCDC's housing and redevelopment initiatives, guiding projects from concept through completion while advancing strategic redevelopment opportunities and neighborhood investment.• Lead the structuring and execution of complex financing strategies and capital stacks to successfully fund and deliver KCDC's development and redevelopment projects.
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and oversight to the development team while establishing systems that ensure projects are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget.
  • Collaborate across internal teams and external stakeholders to align development efforts, engage the community, and communicate progress to leadership and the Board.
  • Drive innovative redevelopment strategies that expand housing opportunities, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities
Lead Housing Development and Redevelopment
  • Provide leadership for KCDC's housing development and redevelopment initiatives, including mixed-income housing, neighborhood revitalization, preservation of existing affordable housing, and large-scale redevelopment projects.
  • Serve as primary development lead, directly guiding KCDC through the full development lifecycle including concept planning, site acquisition, community engagement, financial structuring, design, construction oversight, lease-up, and stabilization.
  • Identify opportunities to redevelop KCDC-owned properties and catalyze neighborhood investment through strategic development initiatives and public-private partnerships.
  • Support the Authority's role as Redevelopment Agency for the City of Knoxville, helping evaluate redevelopment opportunities and facilitating projects that strengthen neighborhoods and expand housing opportunity.

Structure and Secure Development Financing
  • Lead the structuring and negotiation of complex financing strategies that support KCDC's development and redevelopment initiatives.
  • Oversee the development of project budgets, financial models, proformas, and capital stack structures utilizing a variety of financing tools and incentives including tax credits, bonds, tax increment financing, Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs, state and federal funding, public grants and subsidies, and conventional debt and equity investments.

Build Public-Private Development Partnerships
  • Develop and maintain strong partnerships with private developers, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies to advance KCDC's housing and redevelopment initiatives.
  • Collaborate closely with the City of Knoxville to evaluate redevelopment opportunities, coordinate incentives, and implement development strategies that align with community priorities.
  • Represent KCDC in negotiations involving development agreements, financing structures, and public incentives related to housing and redevelopment initiatives.

Lead the Development Team
  • Provide leadership and oversight for KCDC's development team, including the Director of Real Estate and Redevelopment and other development staff responsible for project implementation.
  • Mentor and coach team members while strengthening the organization's capacity to manage complex housing development initiatives.
  • Establish systems and processes to monitor development progress, manage risk, track project performance, and ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within budget.

Coordinate Across the Organization
  • Work collaboratively with internal departments including finance, housing operations, strategy, and communications to ensure alignment across development initiatives.
  • Engage residents, community organizations, and neighborhood stakeholders to inform development planning and ensure redevelopment efforts reflect community priorities.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for the CEO, Board of Commissioners, and external stakeholders regarding development initiatives and progress.

Advance Redevelopment and Community Impact
  • Identify innovative development approaches and financing strategies that expand affordable housing supply and promote neighborhood revitalization.
  • Evaluate redevelopment opportunities and help implement projects that strengthen Knoxville's neighborhoods, increase housing opportunity, and support long-term economic growth.
  • Ensure development initiatives comply with all applicable federal, state, and local housing policies, financing requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Compensation and Benefits
  • The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. KCDC provides competitive benefits for health, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance, with 8.8% contributions made to a retirement plan.

How to Apply: Applications are accepted electronically at kcdc.org and will require an online application, resume, cover letter, and references. The position is open until filled with a first review of applications beginning May 11, 2026.
Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in affordable housing development, real estate finance, and construction management, with the ability to lead projects as an active owner's representative through pre-development, design, and construction. This individual will demonstrate strong command of complex capital stack structuring and redevelopment financing tools, along with a thorough understanding of Tennessee housing regulations and programs such as those administered by THDA or similar state housing finance agencies. The successful candidate will exhibit exceptional leadership, negotiation, and partnership skills, with the ability to manage diverse stakeholders, drive large-scale development initiatives, and clearly communicate complex financial and technical concepts to a wide range of audiences.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in real estate development, urban planning, finance, public administration, construction management, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.
  • A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in affordable housing development, real estate development, construction management, or redevelopment is required, including demonstrated success in:
  • Leading development projects in an owner-driven environment, with direct oversight of pre-development, design, and construction
  • Structuring and closing complex, multi-layered development transactions
  • Utilizing financing tools such as LIHTC, tax-exempt bonds, Opportunity Zones, TIF, and PILOT programs
  • Navigating state and federal housing regulations and development compliance requirements
  • Leading redevelopment initiatives involving public-private partnerships and governmental agencies

Apply