The short definition
A fractional CMO does the job of a Chief Marketing Officer on a part-time basis. They own marketing strategy, the plan and the budget, and they usually lead the people who carry out the work, whether that is an in-house team, agencies or freelancers. The difference from a full-time CMO is the hours, not the level of responsibility.
Why companies hire one
Most companies that hire a fractional CMO need senior marketing judgment but cannot justify a full-time executive yet. Common moments are right after a funding round, before a product launch, when growth has stalled, or when a founder has been running marketing and needs to hand it off.
How the work is usually structured
Engagements are often a monthly retainer for a set number of days or hours each week. Many start with a short assessment of the current marketing, followed by a plan for the next quarter and then ongoing leadership. The roles below show the hours that companies actually post, which range from a few hours a week to several days.
Fractional CMO, consultant or agency
A consultant usually advises and hands over recommendations. An agency usually executes specific channels. A fractional CMO sits inside the company, owns the outcome, and is accountable for the whole marketing function, which is why the role is closer to an executive than an adviser.
How to find fractional CMO work
Fractional CMOs find work through their network, through public postings like the roles on this board, and by reaching companies that just raised money before they post a role. Our list of recently funded startups is built for that last path.
Browse open fractional CMO jobs, read how to become a fractional CMO, or see startups that just raised.