Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (Hybrid, Part-Time)

Urban Recipe is a dynamic organization dedicated to promoting food security and dignity through intentionally designed community-driven food cooperatives prioritizing equitable food access, relationship building, and participation in decision-making. With a small, passionate team of six, we are committed to making a measurable impact in our community. We are now seeking a strategic partner to elevate our marketing, communications and donor engagement efforts.

Position Summary:

The Fractional CMO will serve as a strategic advisor to the staff and board of Urban Recipe, helping to refine and advance Urban Recipe’s marketing and communications strategy and initiatives. This role is designed to provide expert guidance on building a sustainable marketing strategy that deepens donor relationships and optimizes current outreach efforts while maximizing limited resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Marketing strategy: Quickly develop a clear view of Urban Recipe’s internal and external landscape and strategic priorities. Based on this context, map out a sustainable, multi-channel marketing strategy for a small nonprofit focused on increasing donor reach and conversion.

  • Strategy will be created in lockstep with Urban Recipe’s strategic plan and opportunity to differentiate and capture brand market share and strengthen our donor acquisition and conversion pipeline.

  • Assess existing marketing activities and recommend short and long term optimizations across marketing channels.

  • Strategy will focus on maximizing existing resources and be presented to staff and board for alignment and approval within your first 8 weeks on the job.

• Marketing process optimization: Evaluate and advise on existing and potential future marketing campaigns, tools, approaches and tactics.

  • These may include channel management (web, social, media relations, event strategy and digital marketing), marketing budget allocation and team resourcing models. The optimization of limited budget and staffing resources will be critical.

  • Lead development of audience personas and/or other fundamental marketing tools needed to strategically make and reach agreed-upon marketing goals.

  • Advise on the need for strategic partnerships and evaluate the potential use of marketing agencies while ensuring cost-effectiveness for the organization.

  • Bring a network of contacts and resources to facilitate access to specialized vendors, media contacts or industry experts.

• Measurement and optimization: Establish clear metrics, benchmarks and reporting processes to regularly evaluate the impact of marketing initiatives and donor engagement efforts.

• Collaboration & communication: Collaborate with Urban Recipe communications staff to integrate strategic initiatives underway or on the horizon. Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to the Board and Executive Director.
  

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic marketing and communications leadership in the nonprofit sector.

• Broad marketing knowledge, including developing/executing integrated marketing and communications strategy, digital media strategy and donor conversion strategies. We’d love to check out examples from your portfolio!

• Proven experience assessing and recommending resource needs, with a strong focus on balancing strategic vision with practical execution.

• Excellent adaptability, communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of working effectively with small teams and limited resources.

• Strong analytical skills with a keen eye for process optimization and efficiency.

• Experience with digital marketing, data analytics, donor and marketing CRM systems, Fundraising/Business Development, Donor Lifecycle, and automation tools like Canva Pro, Levitate, and Asana.

• Familiarity with donor CRM Bloomerang is preferred.

Time Commitment & Timeline:

This is a fractional role expected to initially commit approximately 20-25 hours per month as determined in consultation with the Board and staff. Applications close May 2.

Reporting Structure:

The Fractional CMO will report to the Communications and Project Manager and work collaboratively with key staff members, including Executive Director, Development Director and Program Director.

Compensation:

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and scope of the role.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and portfolio (optional) to kathleenloesel@urbanrecipe.org. [Include additional application instructions or contact details.] Urban Recipe is committed to building an inclusive and innovative team. We welcome applicants who share our passion for community impact and strategic excellence.