Interim / Fractional Chief Marketing Officer

Job Title: Interim / Fractional Chief Marketing OfficerLocation: RemoteDuration: 6 months - with a possibility to extendJob Type: Contract (20 40 hours per week (variable)Job Description:Our client is seeking an Interim Chief Marketing Officer to provide decisive, hands-on leadership during a critical period of transition and transformation. This leader will stabilize marketing operations, drive short term performance improvements, and help position the organization to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by AI-driven discovery, changing customer behavior, and increasing competitive pressure.The Interim CMO will step into a lean environment and serve as a builder and operator, not a caretaker. This role requires someone who can quickly assess current capabilities, align teams, strengthen demand generation, and modernize marketing practices while improving accountability and performance.This engagement is expected to last approximately six months while a permanent leadership search progresses.Context for the RoleThe marketing leadership role has been vacant for several months, with senior leadership covering responsibilities in the interim. Marketing capabilities are distributed across functions and require stronger integration, clearer operating rhythms, and improved performance focus.Organic visibility has declined as the market shifts toward AI-powered discovery, increasing reliance on paid channels. The organization is seeking a leader who can strengthen technical SEO, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), while improving overall marketing effectiveness.What You Will DoDrive Growth and PerformanceLead full funnel demand generation strategy to drive qualified demand and conversionImprove channel performance across paid, organic, and digital channelsDrive short term performance improvements while strengthening long term foundationsRebalance channel mix toward sustainable organic growthLead Modern Search and Discovery StrategyStrengthen technical SEO, content architecture, and site performanceLead strategy across SEO, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)Improve visibility across traditional search engines, AI answer engines, and large language model discovery environmentsEnsure content is structured for question based and AI mediated search behaviorStabilize Marketing OperationsEstablish clear operating cadence, priorities, and performance expectationsCreate accountability across teams and functionsImprove coordination between brand, performance, analytics, and content teamsPartner with executive leadership to align marketing with organizational prioritiesProvide Executive LeadershipServe as a trusted advisor to senior leadershipProvide clear recommendations and decisive leadershipHelp guide the organization through a period of transitionTeam ScopeYou will provide leadership and oversight across:Brand and product marketingPerformance and demand generation marketingSEO and website strategyMarketing analytics and reportingExternal agencies and partnersA small B2B marketing function, with primary focus on core growth initiativesTechnologies and EnvironmentYou will operate across a modern marketing ecosystem that may include:CRM and marketing automation platforms such as Salesforce or similar environmentsDigital analytics, dashboards, and attribution toolsPerformance marketing platforms supporting paid search and paid socialSEO tools and content optimization platformsContent management systemsAI and generative tools supporting content and workflow accelerationExperimentation and conversion optimization toolsVideo and digital distribution platforms including YouTubeCollaboration tools supporting distributed teamsYou will assess current capabilities and ensure the technology environment supports performance, measurement, and future readiness.Must HavesProven experience operating at CMO or senior marketing executive levelDeep expertise in demand generation and performance marketingStrong hands-on leadership style with ability to engage directly in executionDemonstrated experience stabilizing or transforming marketing organizationsDeep expertise in technical SEO and organic growth strategyStrong understanding of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and AI driven discoveryExperience improving visibility across both traditional search and emerging AI channelsExperience working in lean or resource constrained environmentsAbility to drive short term performance improvements and create accountabilityStrong data driven mindset and executive presencePreferred BackgroundExperience in education, EdTech, or mission driven organizationsExperience leading through periods of change or transformationFamiliarity with complex customer or decision journeysLeadership StyleAction oriented and pragmaticComfortable with ambiguityLow ego and collaborativeDecisive and accountableBuilder mindset focused on outcomesWhy This Role MattersThis is an opportunity to step into a meaningful leadership role and help guide an organization through a period of change. The Interim CMO will play a critical role in strengthening marketing foundations, improving performance, and helping the organization adapt to evolving market dynamics shaped by AI and changing discovery behaviors.