Chief Development Officer Jobs in California
Chief Development Officer jobs in California are concentrated in nonprofit leadership, higher education, and healthcare systems, with the state representing one of the most active markets in the country for senior development talent. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego account for the largest share of openings, anchored by institutions like the University of California system, Kaiser Permanente, and Cedars-Sinai. The most in-demand specialties are major gifts strategy, capital campaign leadership, and planned giving. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find JobsOverview
Open roles11
Top employerVesta Home
Top cityLos Angeles, CA
Cities hiring7
Work type33% Remote
Top industryEducation
Showing 5 of 11+ Chief Development Officer jobs
Chief Economic Development Officer
We won't show you this job again
Added 2w ago
City of Palm Springs, CA
Chief Economic Development Officer
Palm Springs, California
Added 2w ago
Regional Chief Development Officer
We won't show you this job again
Added 3w ago
American Red Cross
Regional Chief Development Officer
Sacramento, California
Added 3w ago
Chief Development Officer
We won't show you this job again
Added 1mo ago
Jewish Community Center of the East Bay
Chief Development Officer
Oakland, California
Added 1mo ago
Chief Merchandising & Product Development Officer
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Added 1mo ago
Vesta Home
Chief Merchandising & Product Development Officer
California
Added 1mo ago
Chief Development Officer
We won't show you this job again
Added 2mo ago
University of Southern California
Chief Development Officer
Los Angeles, California
Added 2mo ago
Added 2w ago
Chief Economic Development Officer
City of Palm Springs, CA·Palm Springs, California
Job functions:
$140k - $189k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree in economics
Job Description
Position Summary
TO VIEW THE BROCHURE CLICK HERE (Download PDF reader)
To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé HERE. Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as this recruitment will close once a sufficiently strong pool of candidates has been established.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 581-1426
THE CITY: Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters. With a wide range of attractions and events, there’s always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on, visit the Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported. To view our recent Human Rights Campaign, visit the Municipal Equity Index (Download PDF reader) website.
THE POSITION: Under the general administrative direction of the City Manager, plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations that are broad in scope and involve highly sensitive and publicly visible operations, projects, and processes that require a high degree of policy, program, and administrative discretion, and high ethical standards. Provides advice and strategic leadership to the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, and other department directors in the development of short- and long-term strategic plans. This position collaborates with a broad range of officials, both internal and external to the organization, business leaders, development professionals, and the general public to achieve the City’s goals and objectives.
As a member of the City's unclassified service, this is an "at-will" position, and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager
Examples of Essential and General Responsibilities
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assume full management responsibility for services and activities including economic development, redevelopment, and business programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
- Manage the development and implementation of strategic goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned area.
- Establish, within City policy, appropriate services, and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
- Create and implement economic development strategies and policies which capitalize on existing assets and identify new development opportunities for maximum economic vitality and value; and proactively identify existing business assets and needs, and provide outreach strategies to facilitate development consistent with those opportunities.
- Plan, direct and coordinate, through subordinate level staff, the Office of Economic Development department’s work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
- Negotiate, administer, and measure third-party entity performance related to contracts and agreements. Perform selection processes for consultant services, contracts, and development agreements to ensure fiscal compliance and delivery of desired results.
- Develop and manage the economic development strategy for the City; manage continuing efforts in redevelopment and community development strategies.
- Oversee the operations and implementation of a variety of public programs.
- Promote redevelopment activities within the City; persuade property owners to enhance their property, persuade business developers to invest in the City; assist business owners in securing appropriate business locations.
- Select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
- Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
- Explain, justify, and defend department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
- Represent the Office of Economic Development to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
- Provide staff assistance to the City Manager, participate on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
- Provide staff support to assigned boards and commissions.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of economic development, redevelopment, and business programs.
- Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Minimum and Preferred Requirements
Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered, however, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the selection process. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the “Work Experience” section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. (One year of work experience is the equivalent of 12 months of full-time work. “Full-time work” means at least 36 hours of work over a period of one week or 1,872 hours of work over a period of at least 12 months.) Qualifications noted as “desirable” or “preferred” are not included as part of the minimum requirements.
Experience:
- Five (5) years of increasingly responsible economic development experience, including one (1) year of management and administrative responsibility, is required.
- Experience working in a public sector agency is preferred. (Public sector agency includes State, County, School, or City Government, Law Enforcement, or other Public Sector Agency.)
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in economics, community development, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
License or Certificates:
- Possession of or an ability to obtain at the time of appointment, an appropriate valid California driver license with a satisfactory driving record is required.
-
Real estate and/or property management license/certification is preferred.
- Must be willing and able to work various hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Incumbent will be enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbents driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City.
-
Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, physical, and drug screen.
The following work environment and physical conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
This position works in an office environment and travels from site to site. Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical conditions necessary to sit, stand, walk, talk, or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, and feel computers and standard business equipment; operate a motor vehicle; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Application and Exam Information
A completed application, resume, cover letter, and supplemental questionnaire are required by the closing date and time. As a candidate for the position, you will want to be sure your application accurately reflects your skills and abilities as they relate to the position to achieve maximum opportunity. Applications will be reviewed carefully and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process.
Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered as this information will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the “Work Experience” section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications.
Resumes and other documents may be submitted, however, they will not be used to determine minimum qualifications, please do not use phrases such as “see attached” or “see resume” as they will not be considered. The Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the process. Minimum requirements must be met at the time of application submission unless stated otherwise.
Selection Process Information - The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: application review, qualification review, written exam, practical exam, oral panel exam, and department interview.
Candidates must successfully pass each stage of the selection process above in order to continue to the next step. This process may be modified or changed depending on the number of qualified candidates.
Please remember to submit all your application materials by the closing date and time. Incomplete or applications received after the closing date and time cannot be considered. All information on the application is subject to investigation and verification.
For more information on completing your application materials, click here.
If you are ready to join the exciting Team Palm Springs and you meet the requirements detailed above, please click the "Apply" button. For more information, contact Human Resources at:
The City of Palm Springs
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
www.palmspringsca.gov
(760) 323 - 8215
The City offers an excellent benefits package and retirement plan through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé below no later than Monday, August 24, 2024. This is an Executive confidential recruitment and reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.
The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we encourage all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
The City of Palm Springs provides a comprehensive benefit program for employees including:
- Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Retiree Health Savings Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability Plan
- Employee paid Supplemental Insurance Programs
- Employee paid Deferred Compensation Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Retirement Plan through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
- Benefit program details vary by work unit and bargaining contracts. Click here to view additional information and bargaining unit contracts.
- The City does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution for all regular positions.
City of Palm Springs, CA
Chief Economic Development Officer
Palm Springs, California
Added 2w ago
Job functions:
$140k - $189k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree in economics
Job Description
Position Summary
TO VIEW THE BROCHURE CLICK HERE (Download PDF reader)
To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé HERE. Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as this recruitment will close once a sufficiently strong pool of candidates has been established.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 581-1426
THE CITY: Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters. With a wide range of attractions and events, there’s always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on, visit the Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported. To view our recent Human Rights Campaign, visit the Municipal Equity Index (Download PDF reader) website.
THE POSITION: Under the general administrative direction of the City Manager, plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations that are broad in scope and involve highly sensitive and publicly visible operations, projects, and processes that require a high degree of policy, program, and administrative discretion, and high ethical standards. Provides advice and strategic leadership to the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, and other department directors in the development of short- and long-term strategic plans. This position collaborates with a broad range of officials, both internal and external to the organization, business leaders, development professionals, and the general public to achieve the City’s goals and objectives.
As a member of the City's unclassified service, this is an "at-will" position, and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager
Examples of Essential and General Responsibilities
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assume full management responsibility for services and activities including economic development, redevelopment, and business programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
- Manage the development and implementation of strategic goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned area.
- Establish, within City policy, appropriate services, and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
- Create and implement economic development strategies and policies which capitalize on existing assets and identify new development opportunities for maximum economic vitality and value; and proactively identify existing business assets and needs, and provide outreach strategies to facilitate development consistent with those opportunities.
- Plan, direct and coordinate, through subordinate level staff, the Office of Economic Development department’s work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
- Negotiate, administer, and measure third-party entity performance related to contracts and agreements. Perform selection processes for consultant services, contracts, and development agreements to ensure fiscal compliance and delivery of desired results.
- Develop and manage the economic development strategy for the City; manage continuing efforts in redevelopment and community development strategies.
- Oversee the operations and implementation of a variety of public programs.
- Promote redevelopment activities within the City; persuade property owners to enhance their property, persuade business developers to invest in the City; assist business owners in securing appropriate business locations.
- Select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
- Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
- Explain, justify, and defend department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
- Represent the Office of Economic Development to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
- Provide staff assistance to the City Manager, participate on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
- Provide staff support to assigned boards and commissions.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of economic development, redevelopment, and business programs.
- Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Minimum and Preferred Requirements
Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered, however, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the selection process. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the “Work Experience” section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. (One year of work experience is the equivalent of 12 months of full-time work. “Full-time work” means at least 36 hours of work over a period of one week or 1,872 hours of work over a period of at least 12 months.) Qualifications noted as “desirable” or “preferred” are not included as part of the minimum requirements.
Experience:
- Five (5) years of increasingly responsible economic development experience, including one (1) year of management and administrative responsibility, is required.
- Experience working in a public sector agency is preferred. (Public sector agency includes State, County, School, or City Government, Law Enforcement, or other Public Sector Agency.)
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in economics, community development, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
License or Certificates:
- Possession of or an ability to obtain at the time of appointment, an appropriate valid California driver license with a satisfactory driving record is required.
-
Real estate and/or property management license/certification is preferred.
- Must be willing and able to work various hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Incumbent will be enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbents driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City.
-
Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, physical, and drug screen.
The following work environment and physical conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
This position works in an office environment and travels from site to site. Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical conditions necessary to sit, stand, walk, talk, or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, and feel computers and standard business equipment; operate a motor vehicle; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Application and Exam Information
A completed application, resume, cover letter, and supplemental questionnaire are required by the closing date and time. As a candidate for the position, you will want to be sure your application accurately reflects your skills and abilities as they relate to the position to achieve maximum opportunity. Applications will be reviewed carefully and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process.
Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered as this information will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the “Work Experience” section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications.
Resumes and other documents may be submitted, however, they will not be used to determine minimum qualifications, please do not use phrases such as “see attached” or “see resume” as they will not be considered. The Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the process. Minimum requirements must be met at the time of application submission unless stated otherwise.
Selection Process Information - The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: application review, qualification review, written exam, practical exam, oral panel exam, and department interview.
Candidates must successfully pass each stage of the selection process above in order to continue to the next step. This process may be modified or changed depending on the number of qualified candidates.
Please remember to submit all your application materials by the closing date and time. Incomplete or applications received after the closing date and time cannot be considered. All information on the application is subject to investigation and verification.
For more information on completing your application materials, click here.
If you are ready to join the exciting Team Palm Springs and you meet the requirements detailed above, please click the "Apply" button. For more information, contact Human Resources at:
The City of Palm Springs
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
www.palmspringsca.gov
(760) 323 - 8215
The City offers an excellent benefits package and retirement plan through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé below no later than Monday, August 24, 2024. This is an Executive confidential recruitment and reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.
The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we encourage all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
The City of Palm Springs provides a comprehensive benefit program for employees including:
- Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Retiree Health Savings Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability Plan
- Employee paid Supplemental Insurance Programs
- Employee paid Deferred Compensation Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Retirement Plan through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
- Benefit program details vary by work unit and bargaining contracts. Click here to view additional information and bargaining unit contracts.
- The City does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution for all regular positions.
See All 11 Chief Development Officer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsChief Development Officer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Los Angeles
4 jobsGoleta
1 jobOakland
1 jobBerkeley
1 jobSan Jose
1 jobSacramento
1 jobPalm Springs
1 jobChief Development Officer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
- Investment & Asset Management
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chief development officer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree required, with a master's degree strongly preferred by California nonprofit and academic employers
- Ten or more years of progressively senior fundraising experience with a demonstrated history of major gift closures
- Proven success leading capital campaigns of significant scale in a California or comparable major market
- Experience managing and growing a development team, including directors, officers, and support staff
- Strong existing relationships with California philanthropic communities, foundations, and individual donors
- Proficiency with Raiser's Edge, Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack, or similar donor management platforms
Chief Development Officer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chief development officer in California?
The path to a chief development officer role in California runs through progressively senior fundraising positions, typically from major gifts officer to development director before reaching the C-suite. California does not require a state-issued license for this role, but many employers expect candidates who hold the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential through CFRE International. A graduate degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field strengthens candidacy at California universities, healthcare systems, and large cultural institutions.
How much do chief development officers make in California?
Chief development officers in California earn a median of about $135,870 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $84,730 for the lowest 10% to over $257,500 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chief development officers in California?
Employers hiring chief development officers in California right now include Vesta Home, Industrious, and Cottage Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's density of research universities, major hospital networks, and large nonprofit organizations makes it one of the most consistently active states for senior development hiring.
Which California cities have the most chief development officer jobs?
Los Angeles, California, and Goleta are the California cities with the most chief development officer openings. Los Angeles drives the largest share because of its concentration of major nonprofits, arts institutions, and private hospital systems, while San Francisco and San Diego generate openings through university medical centers, Bay Area foundations, and health-focused research organizations.
Are there remote chief development officer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 67% of chief development officer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the reality that this role depends heavily on in-person donor cultivation, board engagement, and team leadership. The functions most likely to be performed remotely are strategic planning, grant writing oversight, and data analysis.
How can I get hired as a chief development officer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a major gifts officer or associate director of development role at a mid-size California nonprofit or university, where you build a documented record of closing five- and six-figure gifts. Large California institutions such as the UC system and California hospital foundations run development associate and fellowship programs that place candidates without senior experience on an accelerated track. Earning the CFRE credential early and building relationships with California's Community Foundation network also signals seriousness to hiring committees.
Where can I find and apply to chief development officer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to chief development officer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 11 Chief Development Officer Jobs in California
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