Career Explorer Management
Grows with AI
Fundraising managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
In the middle of the pack: more resilient than 48% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it high), and US jobs are projected to change by +5.4% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on creative vision and emotional intelligence.
AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.
- Median pay (2025)
- $125,470
- Job growth to 2035
- +5.4%
- Openings a year
- 3,700
- People doing it (2025)
- 48,800
- Usual route in
- Bachelor's degree
Where people already use AI for this work
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures
- Edit written materials or documents
- Provide information or assistance to the public
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Manage budgets or finances
- Develop organizational policies, systems, or processes
- Develop business or marketing plans
What the work looks like
- Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
- Manage fundraising budgets.
- Direct activities of external agencies, establishments, or departments that develop and implement fundraising strategies and programs.
- Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.
- Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Natural sciences managersGrows with AI, Index 55, +8.2%
- Sales managersGrows with AI, Index 50, +4.5%
- EpidemiologistsGrows with AI, Index 65, +18.7%
- LogisticiansGrows with AI, Index 60, +17.6%
Also known as: Advancement Director, Annual Giving Director, Development Director, Fundraising Manager, Donor Engagement Director, Foundation Director, Individual Giving Director, Individual Giving Manager.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.