Clinch

Consulting

Fractional CMO Agreement Template

A fractional CMO, CTO, or COO is part-time leadership, and the contract has to say exactly how part-time. This template defines time commitment per month, responsibilities, authority (who can hire, fire, and spend), meeting cadence, reporting to the CEO, availability outside those hours, and a notice period that protects both sides. It also clarifies you're an independent contractor, not an employee or officer.

Use this template — free →

Fractional CMO Agreement Template

Between
Jane Rivera (Rivera Studio)
And
Alex Chen (Acme Bakery)
Total fee
$2,400.00
Deposit
$720.00
Delivery deadline
October 24, 2026

Role & Time

The Sender will serve as fractional marketing lead (or the role stated in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration) for the time commitment stated there, for example two days per week. Responsibilities are listed in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration. Extra time is only worked with the Client's approval and billed at the agreed rate.

Authority

The Sender may direct the Client's team and vendors within their responsibilities and may approve spending up to the limit stated in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration. Hiring, firing, and contracts above that limit require the Client's approval. The Sender is not an officer or director of the Client and cannot bind the Client except as stated here.

Cadence & Reporting

The Sender reports to the Client's CEO or founder, with a weekly check-in and a monthly written summary of progress against agreed goals.

Payment Terms

The total fee for this engagement is $2,400.00. The monthly fee is billed in advance at the start of each month.

A deposit of $720.00 is due before work begins. The remaining balance is due upon completion and delivery of the final work, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Invoices are payable within 7 days of receipt. Late payments may accrue a 1.5% monthly late fee, and work may be paused until outstanding balances are settled.

Confidentiality

Both parties agree to keep confidential any non-public business, technical, or financial information shared during this engagement, and to use it only for the purpose of completing the work described in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration.

This obligation survives the completion or termination of this agreement and continues for 2 years afterward.

Term & Notice

This agreement continues month to month. Either party may end it with 30 days' written notice; the Sender will hand over documents, accounts, and open work during the notice period.

Limitation of Liability

The Sender's total liability under this agreement is limited to the total fees paid by the Client. Neither party is liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from this engagement.

Independent Contractor Relationship

The Sender is engaged as an independent contractor, not an employee, partner, or agent of the Client. The Sender is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits, and is free to accept other engagements during the term of this agreement, provided they do not conflict with the confidentiality obligations above.

Governing Law & Entire Agreement

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

This document represents the entire agreement between the parties regarding a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration and supersedes any prior discussions or proposals. Any changes must be made in writing and agreed to by both parties.

By signing below, both parties confirm they have read, understood, and agree to the terms above.

FAQ

What authority should a fractional CMO have?

Enough to lead: directing the team and a spending limit. This template requires CEO approval for hiring, firing, and larger contracts.

Can I use this for a fractional CTO or COO?

Yes. Write the role and responsibilities in the scope; the clauses are role-agnostic.

What notice period is standard?

30 days, which gives time to hand over. The Term & Notice clause includes a handover commitment.

Is this Fractional CMO Agreement legally binding?

Yes. Signatures collected through Clinch are Simple Electronic Signatures, valid for standard business contracts under the US ESIGN Act and the EU's eIDAS regulation. See our legality page for the full picture.

Can I customize this template?

Every section is editable before you send it — add, remove, or rewrite clauses, and fill in your own fees, deadline, and party details. Nothing is locked until you send it for signature.

How do I send it for signing?

Click "Use this template," edit the details, and send it — your client signs from their phone in about 30 seconds, no account required on their end.

Is it really free?

Yes — every Clinch account can send contracts for free (see /pricing for the exact monthly limit). No credit card required to start.

Browse all Clinch templates →