Fractional Chief Communications Officer (CCO)

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Senior communications leadership. Without the expense of a full-time hire.

Hiring an experienced chief communications officer (CCO) can mean a six-figure salary before benefits, bonuses and other employment costs. For organizations that need executive-level expertise but not a full-time executive, fractional leadership offers a more flexible way to access the strategic counsel and communications direction needed to move the mission forward. 

A fractional CCO gives you an experienced strategic partner at the leadership table — someone who understands your mission, anticipates challenges, connects communications to organizational goals and turns complexity into clarity.

The right level of communications leadership depends on where your organization is today and where it needs to go. Public Square PR offers flexible engagements that bring experienced counsel, strategic direction and accountability to your communications without the cost of a full-time executive.

Not sure what your communications function needs? Start with a Communications Leadership Audit. Ready for an ongoing strategic partner? Explore the fractional leadership options below.

A clear-eyed assessment. A practical plan. A stronger path forward.

Before you can move your communications forward, you need to know what's working, what's missing and where the greatest opportunities lie. 

The Communications Leadership Audit gives your organization an experienced outside perspective on its communications strategy, messaging, channels, team structure and capacity. Together, we'll identify gaps, surface opportunities and establish priorities that connect communications to your mission and organizational goals.

What's included

• Discovery conversations with key leaders
• Review of organizational messaging, positioning and narrative
• Assessment of website, media presence, digital channels and existing content
• Review of communications workflows, staffing and external partners
• Identification of reputational risks and untapped opportunities
• A prioritized 90-day action plan with recommended next steps
• Leadership debrief to discuss findings and recommendations

Best for: Nonprofits, associations and growing organizations seeking clarity before investing in ongoing communications leadership.

Every organization has different needs. Choose the level of strategic involvement that makes sense for your goals, resources and stage of growth.

Starting at $3,500/month 

For organizations that need senior counsel, not a communications department. 

• Monthly leadership advisory sessions
• Executive counsel and priority setting
• Messaging and positioning guidance
• Review of key communications plans and executive messaging
• Counsel on emerging issues and opportunities

Commitment: 8-10 hours/month

Best for: Organizations with internal staff or execution partners that need senior-level guidance without day-to-day oversight.

Starting at $6,500/month

For organizations that need an ongoing communications leader. 

Everything in Strategic Advisor, plus:

• Monthly communications planning and campaign oversight
• Executive communications and thought leadership oversight
• Media strategy and proactive pitching
• Editorial calendar and content direction
• Coordination with internal staff and external vendors
• Leadership team counsel and execution accountability

Commitment: 15-18 hours/month

Best for: Organizations that need ongoing strategic leadership and hands-on direction without hiring a full-time communications executive.

Starting at $10,000/month

Integrate senior communications leadership into your organization, aligning reputation, narrative, visibility and stakeholder engagement with organizational strategy.

Everything in Strategic Partner and Fractional CCO, plus:

• Participation in executive leadership planning
• Cross-functional coordination and project oversight
• Organization-wide communications strategy and governance
• Executive counsel on high-stakes decisions and sensitive issues
• Crisis preparedness and issues management
• Oversight of communications staff and vendors
• Board, stakeholder and public-facing communications counsel
• Communications team development and accountability
• Measurement framework tied to organizational goals

Commitment: 25-30 hours/month

Best for: Established nonprofits, associations and public-facing organizations that need an experienced communications leader embedded in executive decision-making without adding a permanent executive position.

Monthly pricing reflects the agreed-upon scope, leadership involvement and deliverables. Additional production, major campaigns, travel and intensive crisis response may be scoped separately. Engagements typically begin with a three-month commitment.