What a fractional chief communications officer actually does

• 01

  Growing companies

  Organizations that have outgrown do-it-yourself communications but are not ready for a full-time C-suite hire.

• 02

  Associations and nonprofits

  Mission-driven organizations that need strategic communications guidance to reach the right audiences.

• 03

  Public affairs and government relations teams

  Teams that need experienced communications leadership to manage complex stakeholder environments.

1. 1

   Discovery call

   A free consultation to understand your communications challenges, goals and current capabilities.

2. 2

   Custom strategy

   A tailored communications plan aligned with your mission, audience and business objectives.

3. 3

   Ongoing leadership

   Your fractional CCO integrates with your team and provides consistent executive-level guidance on a schedule that fits your needs.

The engagement is led by people with newsroom and federal experience. Managing Director Joshua I. Altman has more than two decades in communications, was a multimedia journalist at The Hill covering federal policy, and holds an M.A. in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University. Compare this model with a PR agency, or return to the best communications firms guide.

What is a fractional chief communications officer?

A fractional chief communications officer is a senior communications executive who leads your communications on a part-time or set schedule instead of as a full-time employee. Beltway Media’s fractional CCO service covers executive messaging and brand strategy, media relations and public affairs counsel, investor, stakeholder and internal communications, content strategy, crisis preparedness and media training.

How much does a fractional chief communications officer cost?

Fractional CCO pricing depends on hours, scope and term, and each provider sets its own rates. Beltway Media does not publish its pricing; it scopes work during a free consultation. For market context, Observer’s 2026 survey reported an average annual service cost of $180,312 across client-firm relationships, ranging up to $10 million per year.

Is a fractional CCO cheaper than a full-time hire?

A fractional CCO is designed to give you senior communications leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive hire, and Beltway Media positions its service that way. Whether it costs less in your case depends on the hours and scope you need compared with a full-time salary, benefits and recruiting time.

Who should hire a fractional chief communications officer?

Organizations that need senior communications leadership but are not ready for a full-time C-suite hire. Beltway Media names three groups: growing companies that have outgrown do-it-yourself communications, associations and nonprofits that need strategic guidance to reach the right audiences, and public affairs and government relations teams managing complex stakeholder environments.

What happens after the discovery call?

After discovery, Beltway Media builds a tailored communications plan aligned with your mission, audience and business objectives. The third stage is ongoing leadership, where the fractional CCO joins your team and provides consistent executive-level guidance on an agreed schedule. Ask during the call what the first 90 days would include for your organization.

Is a full-time chief communications officer better than a fractional one?

A full-time CCO makes sense when communications demands daily executive attention across a large organization and you can fund the role, team and benefits. A fractional CCO makes sense when you need the same senior judgment on a part-time or set schedule. Many organizations start fractional and hire full time as they grow.

Read all 44 questions in the FAQ