Fundraising Managers
Machines can already do 32% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 56%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Fundraising Managers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 32% of this job's tasks.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 56% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 38,810 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $125,470 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 81% for contact with people.
- Also called: Advancement Director, Annual Giving Director, Development Director, Donor Engagement Director.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assign, supervise, and review the activities of fundraising staff | 14% | 18% to 38% | |
| Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, government officials, and media representatives and use these relationships to develop new fundraising opportunities | 11% | 10% to 27% | |
| Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks | 9% | 25% to 50% | |
| Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations | 9% | 73% to 95% | |
| Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs | 9% | 40% to 68% | |
| Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions | 8% | 35% to 65% | |
| Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, charitable donation history, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets | 8% | 50% to 85% | |
| Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs | 7% | 35% to 65% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills fundraising managers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Chief Communications Officers54% of tasks by 2035
- Fundraisers54% of tasks by 2035 · US median $72,550
- Talent Directors49% of tasks by 2035 · US median $90,360
- Chief Operating Officers50% of tasks by 2035
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Fundraising Managers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of fundraising managers?
Machines can do 32% of the tasks of fundraising managers today and 56% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 11-2033.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Fundraising Managers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/fundraising-managers/