The workforce is undergoing a period of massive transformation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and the evolution of flexible work environments. LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2025 report highlights 25 of the fastest-growing roles in the U.S., offering executives a roadmap to navigate this changing landscape.

These trends are not just about technological innovation—they reflect a fundamental shift in how companies operate and engage with customers. Businesses are blending AI and intelligent operations with human-centric strategies, underscoring the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning.

From artificial intelligence to sustainability to the post-pandemic resurgence of travel and events, the roles shaping tomorrow’s job market are as diverse as they are dynamic. For executives seeking to pivot, advance, or future-proof their careers, the Jobs on the Rise report provides both clarity and actionable insights.

Key Roles and Trends for Executives

1. Artificial Intelligence Roles: Leading the Charge

Topping the list are Artificial Intelligence Engineer and AI Consultant. These roles involve developing AI-driven solutions to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and solve complex problems.

Key Data:

• • Skills in demand: Large language models, natural language processing, and Python.
  • Hiring hubs: San Francisco, New York City, and Boston.
  • Remote/hybrid options: Over 30% of these roles offer flexibility.
  • Median experience required: 3.6–4.5 years.
  • Gender Breakdown: Only 20% of AI Engineers and 30% of AI Consultants are female, underscoring the need for greater gender diversity in tech leadership.

Industry Insights: AI isn’t just transforming tech—it’s revolutionizing industries like finance, healthcare, retail, and logistics. Leaders who embrace AI can drive efficiency and gain a competitive edge.

Example: An executive in retail could transition into AI leadership by leveraging experience in customer analytics and e-commerce optimization to implement machine learning tools that predict consumer behavior.

Actionable Steps:

• • Identify transferable skills in data-driven decision-making.
  • Highlight these on your resume using BlueSteps’ career document services.
  • Engage in personal board coaching services to strategize how to lead AI initiatives in your industry.
  • Advocate for and champion diversity in AI by fostering inclusive hiring practices and mentorship programs.

2. Sustainability Specialists: Driving Corporate Responsibility

As ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) priorities become central to business strategies, roles like Sustainability Specialist are in demand. These professionals design strategies to mitigate environmental impact while promoting resource efficiency.

Key Data:

• • Skills in demand: Sustainability reporting, corporate social responsibility, and environmental policy.
  • Hiring hubs: New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
  • Median experience required: Three years.
  • Gender Breakdown: Sustainability roles are 66% female, reflecting stronger gender representation compared to tech roles.

Industry Insights: Beyond compliance, sustainability initiatives are key drivers of brand trust, innovation, and long-term growth.

Example: A former operations executive could transition into a sustainability role by demonstrating experience in optimizing supply chain efficiency and reducing waste.

Actionable Steps:

• • Attend executive career service workshops focused on ESG.
  • Use virtual networking sessions to connect with leaders in sustainability-focused roles.
  • Tailor your career story with career document services that emphasize your ESG achievements.

3. Travel and Event Roles: Rebounding with New Opportunities

Roles like Travel Advisor and Event Coordinator reflect the recovery of sectors hit hardest by the pandemic. These positions emphasize operational agility, creativity, and customer-centric approaches.

Key Data:

• • Skills in demand: Travel planning, social media marketing, event logistics.
  • Hiring hubs: New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami.
  • Median experience required: 2.8–4.7 years.
  • Gender Breakdown: Event roles like Coordinator are 78% female, while Travel Advisors are 80% female, reflecting strong female representation.

Industry Insights: Executives with expertise in customer experience, logistics, or marketing can bring strategic leadership to these rebounding industries.

Example: A marketing executive could transition to event leadership by showcasing their ability to manage large-scale campaigns and vendor partnerships.

Actionable Steps:

• • Participate in executive virtual networking sessions to connect with leaders in these fields.
  • Explore targeted roles through BlueSteps’ executive job search portal.

4. Strategic Leadership Roles: Expanding Influence

C-suite roles like Chief Growth Officer (CGO) and Director of Development underscore the importance of strategic leadership in driving revenue and growth.

Key Data:

• • Skills in demand: Growth strategies, fundraising, and strategic partnerships.
  • Hiring hubs: New York City, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.
  • Median experience required: 7.2 years for CGOs.
  • Gender Breakdown: Only 27% of CGOs are female, reflecting a gender imbalance in leadership roles.

Industry Insights: These roles often require a blend of business development expertise and innovation-driven thinking.

Example: A VP of sales could transition into a CGO role by demonstrating experience in market expansion and go-to-market strategies.

Actionable Steps:

• • Refine your leadership narrative with BlueSteps’ personal career coaching packages.
  • Use executive job placement firms to connect with organizations seeking transformational leaders.
  • Promote diversity at the leadership level by fostering inclusive mentorship programs and implementing equitable hiring practices.

Challenges for Executives and How to Overcome Them

1. Skill Gaps: Emerging roles require specialized skills that may be outside an executive’s expertise.
   • Solution: Use career development workshops and executive coaching services to upskill strategically.
2. Gender Disparities: Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in tech and leadership roles.
   • Solution: Advocate for mentorship opportunities, build diverse teams, and highlight inclusive leadership in your career story.
3. Competition for High-Growth Roles: As more professionals pivot, competition for these roles increases.
   • Solution: Work with BlueSteps to refine your materials and target roles through executive job search assistance.
4. Navigating Remote Leadership: Balancing hybrid and remote teams requires strong communication and adaptability.
   • Solution: Attend career service workshops that focus on remote leadership strategies.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Executive Careers

The Jobs on the Rise 2025 report highlights not just the fastest-growing roles but also the broader shifts shaping the future of work. For executives, this is an opportunity to adapt, lead, and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

BlueSteps provides the tools, insights, and connections to help you navigate these changes confidently. From personalized career coaching to exclusive networking sessions, we’ll help you align your expertise with the roles that matter most.

Ready to take the next step? Partner with BlueSteps today and transform insights into action.