A Fractional Chief Communications Officer (CCO) is an experienced communications executive who provides senior-level leadership on an on-demand, part-time or contract basis. They help shape messaging, reputation, and stakeholder communications—without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire. A Fractional CCO offers the strategic depth of an in-house communications leader, scaled to fit your company’s needs.

How is a Fractional CCO different from a PR agency? 

Unlike traditional PR firms that focus on media outreach or press releases, a Fractional CCO aligns communications strategy with company goals, advises leadership teams, and ensures your brand speaks with one clear, consistent voice.

Why would a business need a Fractional CCO? 

Hiring a Fractional CCO is ideal when: 

• You need executive-level guidance without a full-time salary 

• Your company is experiencing rapid growth, change, or transition 

• Your CEO or CMO needs support turning strategy into messaging 

• You’re entering a new market, fundraising, or prepping for M&A 

• You’re dealing with crisis, reputational risk, or high visibility

What services does PURDYPR provide as a Fractional CCO? 

My Fractional CCO engagements typically include: 

• Strategic messaging and brand positioning 

• Crisis communications planning and response 

• Executive visibility and thought leadership 

• Media and analyst relations 

• Stakeholder communications (internal, investor, board) 

• Team development and agency oversight 

• Corporate narrative and content strategy 

Is a Fractional CCO right for startups or only large companies?

A Fractional CCO is ideal for startups, growth-stage companies, and mid-sized businesses—especially those who are: 

• Not ready for a full-time CCO 

• Needing to upgrade their messaging and PR 

• Entering a new phase of visibility, investment, or scale 

Large companies may also use a Fractional CCO to fill leadership gaps during transitions or provide outside expertise for special initiatives. 

How does PURDYPR structure its engagements? 

I offer flexible engagement models: 

• Monthly retainers for ongoing support 

• Project-based work for specific initiatives (e.g., rebrands, crises) 

• Hourly advisory sessions for leadership teams or boards 

 Every engagement is tailored to your goals, risk profile, and internal capacity.  

How is a Fractional CCO different from a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)? 

While there can be overlap, a CCO focuses on reputation, messaging, and stakeholder communications, while a CMO focuses on marketing campaigns, lead generation, and customer acquisition. A Fractional CCO works closely with marketing—but ensures communications are aligned across leadership, media, employees, investors, and the public. 

Can a Fractional CCO help during a crisis? 

Yes. Crisis communications is one of the key reasons companies hire PURDYPR. I help: 

• Prepare response plans in advance 

• Lead message development and approvals 

• Serve as spokesperson or media coach 

• Manage stakeholder updates and internal alignment 

• Provide real-time strategy during high-pressure situations 

Is hiring a Fractional CCO cost-effective? 

For many organizations, yes. According to a Korn Ferry report, a full-time Chief Communications Officer can cost over $400,000 per year, not including benefits and bonuses. PR agencies can cost $250,000+, while allocating most hours to junior-level staff. A fractional engagement gives you access to senior-level expertise at a fraction of the cost—without sacrificing strategic depth or leadership. 

What types of clients does PURDYPR work with? 

I work with: 

• Venture-backed startups 

• Mid-sized companies 

• Private equity portfolio companies 

• Founders, executives, and leadership teams 

• Companies in high-stakes, high-growth, or high-visibility phases 

What’s the difference between a Fractional CCO and a Communications Consultant? 

A communications consultant typically provides advice or support on specific projects. A Fractional CCO acts as a part-time executive—owning strategy, leading implementation, and guiding cross-functional alignment over time. They think like a business leader, not just a vendor. 

Can a Fractional CCO work with our internal communications or marketing team? 

Yes. At PURDYPR, I often collaborate with internal marketing, HR, investor relations, and legal teams. I serve as a senior partner—offering leadership, sharpening strategy, and ensuring everyone speaks with a clear, unified voice. 

Can a Fractional CCO support investor communications? 

Yes. A Fractional Chief Communications Officer supports the communications layer around investor activity — working alongside finance, legal, and investor relations teams.

This typically includes helping shape and pressure-test messaging for:

• Capital raises

• Investor updates and pitch decks

• Earnings announcements (communications framing, not financial guidance)

• Board presentations

• Strategic transactions (e.g., acquisitions or exits)

Are businesses increasing their use of fractional, contract, or interim executives?

Yes. According to Deloitte’s Future of Workforce Trends 2024 report, 59% of business leaders plan to increase their use of fractional, contract, or interim executives over the next two years.

How quickly do interim executives become effective compared to full-time hires?

Interim executives typically reach full effectiveness in half the time of permanent hires (Toptal, State of Fractional Work 2023). In contrast, full-time executive onboarding averages 6–9 months (Harvard Business Review, Onboarding Executives Study 2022).

How many clients do you work with at a time?

I intentionally keep a small retainer roster so I can stay deeply involved and responsive. At any given time, I work with a limited number of organizations where I can maintain context, be available quickly, and engage upstream — especially in high-scrutiny moments. If I ever felt I couldn’t give a client the level of attention this work requires, I’d raise it immediately.

Does PURDYPR offer only Fractional CCO services? 

No. While my core offering is executive-level communications leadership, PURDYPR also provides: 

• PR and brand audits 

• Messaging architecture and narrative development 

• Media training 

• Media and analyst relations

• Crisis simulations 

• Agency sourcing and team building