Chief Development Officer job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Chief Development Officer?
A Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a member of a senior executive team in the company or organization who plays an important role to ensure development and progress.
They are responsible for coordinating fund development, contributing to strategic planning, and expanding revenue streams and new initiatives.
Chief Development Officers collaborate with the CEO and other team members on developing short-term and long-term goals and advise them on improvement strategies, increasing revenue and budgets.
The top Chief Development Officer skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
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Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are searching for an experienced and motivated Chief Development Officer to join our team! As a Chief Development Officer, you will be working alongside the CEO and other members of the senior management team. Your daily responsibilities will include defining the company’s vision and direction, developing and implementing strategies that will increase fundraising activities and operations, and ensuring the execution of fund development according to the company’s values and vision.
Our ideal candidate should have at least basic knowledge and working experience in the business development field and motivation to improve themselves and others. A huge part of your job entails negotiating and communicating with colleagues and clients, which means these two skills are crucial in this position. Problem-solving, leadership, decision-making, and analytical skills are also beneficial.
Duties and responsibilities
- Develop and facilitate short-term and long-term goals with the CEO
- Identify development issues that may affect the well-being of the company
- Ensure execution of fund development according to the company’s values and vision
- Manage and oversee day-to-day development operations and activities
- Establish performance measures and evaluate the productivity of the fund development programs
- Ensure compliance with all regulations, laws, and codes of ethics
- Oversee the financial stability, fundraising, and growth of the company
- Maintain communication with executive officers and clients
- Lead and engage with the staff in expanding revenue and initiatives
- Grow the foundation portfolio and expand donor programs
- Support the staff in development efforts
- Assist in recruiting and training fundraising volunteers
- Establish and implement a fundraising calendar
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, business administration, or a similar field
- CFRE certificate preferred
- Prior working experience managing projects and teams
- Proven success in fundraising
- Leadership and communication skills
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Analytical mind
- Negotiation and mentoring skills
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
The primary educational requirement for Chief Development Officers is a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in business or business administration.
Some employers will appreciate additional certification, such as a CFRE, that will make those candidates stand out from others.
Before becoming Chief Development Officers, candidates should first gain knowledge and experience working in similar positions that can help them develop their leadership, communication, and project management skills.
Certified Fund Raising Executive
Demonstrates expertise in fundraising and commitment to ethical standards.
CFRE InternationalSample interview questions for a Chief Development Officer.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- How would you describe yourself in several lines?
- How would you describe your dream job?
- What is your favorite movie?
- How did you hear about this open position?
- What do you expect to achieve in the first few months if you get the job?
- What is the strongest reason why we should hire you?
- What strengths and qualities do you think will be useful when managing a team?
- Do you consider yourself a good leader?
- Do you think you work well under pressure?
- What did you learn from the fundraising program that was unsuccessful?
- Have you ever disagreed with a CEO? How do you handle disagreements in general?
- Could you briefly describe your brainstorming process when it comes to the execution of a project?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $26 at the 10th percentile to $85 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Director of Business Development
Frequently asked questions.
Who do Chief Development Officers work with?
Chief Development Officers typically work with a CEO and other members of a senior management team.
What are the necessary skills for Chief Development Officers?
Chief Development Officers must have great communication, negotiation, and leadership skills. Also, they should be highly analytical, problem-solvers, and decision-makers.
What is the salary for Chief Development Officers?
Chief Development Officers earn between $50,500 and $177,500 per year. Their average annual salary is around $111,085.
What are the daily duties and responsibilities of Chief Development Officers?
Chief Development Officers are responsible for developing, executing, and monitoring fundraising and fund development projects and activities in the company.
They oversee financial stability and growth, collaborate with the CEO and other executives, and support the staff in development efforts.
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