Fractional CMO

Fractional CMO

The company is seeking a Fractional CMO to lead customer acquisition and build a measurable, founder-independent growth engine. This leader will take ownership of paid channels, develop the marketing strategy and team, and connect marketing investment to customer and revenue outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Audit current channels, spending, funnel performance, and the customer journey from initial engagement through consultation and conversion.
• Establish and report cost per lead, cost per consultation, and cost per converted customer by channel using reliable CRM attribution.
• Take ownership of paid search and paid social from company leadership; optimize, reduce, or scale spending based on business results.
• Develop a growth plan covering budget, channel mix, hiring needs, and performance targets.
• Own the marketing budget, channel strategy, and acquisition targets; be accountable for customer acquisition cost and lifetime value.
• Scale paid search, paid social, SEO, and partner programs while protecting lead quality and conversion rates.
• Partner with sales on lead scoring, response times, follow-up sequences, and improving consultation-to-customer conversion.
• Use customer feedback and other trust signals to strengthen brand credibility and conversion rates.
• Ensure advertising and messaging comply with applicable consumer protection and industry regulations.
• Hire and manage marketing staff and agencies; document processes to reduce reliance on any one person for channel management.
• Report regularly to company leadership on spending, pipeline, and returns in terms that support business performance goals.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of marketing experience, including senior leadership of a performance-driven, direct-response function.
• Demonstrated success scaling customer acquisition at a consumer services business with a phone- or consultation-based sales process.
• Hands-on expertise in paid search and paid social, with full-funnel attribution tied to business outcomes.
• Experience with a CRM or similar platform and close collaboration with a sales team.
• Proven ability to build and manage a small team and coordinate external agencies.
• Strong analytical discipline and comfort setting and reporting on CAC, CPA, LTV, and ROI metrics.

Nice to have

• Experience in regulated consumer services, such as financial, legal, or debt-related services.
• Experience preparing a business for acquisition or investment.
• Experience building SEO and content programs in competitive, high-intent categories.