Hire a fractional CMO
Fractional CMOs lead marketing part-time for several companies at once, setting strategy and building teams without a full-time executive salary. Here's when you need one and how to hire well.
When to hire a fractional CMO
- You need senior marketing judgment but can't justify a full-time executive
- You have junior marketers or agencies and nobody to lead them
- You're between marketing leaders, or not yet sure what full-time role to hire
What it costs
Fractional CMOs charge a monthly retainer for a set number of days a week, not a salary. To budget, start from what a full-time marketing leader would cost per day and multiply by the days you need. Expect a premium over that, because the CMO covers their own benefits and the time between clients, and you skip recruiting fees, equity and a long notice period.
- Job post
- Free
- AI Talent Agent
- $399 per role
- Concierge recruiting
- $2,500 flat
How competitive it is
14 marketing leadership roles are open on HeyMarketers right now, 29% of them remote. Companies hiring include Later, MongoDB, Adyen, Duolingo, Glossier. Good candidates have options, so move quickly and publish your pay range.
What to look for
- A clear niche: your stage, market or problem
- Outcomes from past engagements, with references from CEOs
- A concrete plan for the first 30, 60 and 90 days
- Honesty about when you should hire full-time instead
Red flags
- Too many clients to give you real attention
- Only strategy, never helps the team execute
- Vague scope and pricing
Questions to ask
What do you do in your first 30 days with a new client?
Listen for: Diagnosis, quick wins and a plan the CEO signs off on.
How do you make progress with only a few days a week?
Listen for: Ruthless priorities and empowering the team between sessions.
How do you price your work?
Listen for: A clear model tied to scope and outcomes.
When should a company hire a full-time CMO instead?
Listen for: Honest criteria, including working yourself out of a job.
See all fractional CMO interview questions · Job description template
The first 90 days
- An assessment and a 90-day plan you agree on
- Fixes to the highest-impact channel
- A team and agency structure, including any hires
Full-time, fractional or freelance?
Fractional CMOs usually work one to three days a week on a monthly retainer with a minimum of about three months. Many engagements end with them helping you hire their full-time replacement.
Questions
How much does it cost to hire a fractional CMO?
Hiring through HeyMarketers: posting a job is free, the AI Talent Agent is $399 per role, and Concierge recruiting is a flat $2,500 per fractional or freelance hire. Fractional CMOs charge a monthly retainer for a set number of days a week, not a salary. To budget, start from what a full-time marketing leader would cost per day and multiply by the days you need. Expect a premium over that, because the CMO covers their own benefits and the time between clients, and you skip recruiting fees, equity and a long notice period.
Should I hire a full-time or fractional CMO?
Fractional CMOs usually work one to three days a week on a monthly retainer with a minimum of about three months. Many engagements end with them helping you hire their full-time replacement.
How long does it take to hire?
With Concierge you get a shortlist of three screened candidates within 10 business days. Job posts and the AI Talent Agent depend on the role and how quickly you review candidates.
Are you a fractional CMO yourself? Read the career guide.