Fractional and freelance staffing in North America

Explore interim solutions

Through our exceptional networks of talent, our interim solutions can provide shortlists of suitably qualified freelancers and contractors rapidly, getting you on the right track without delay.

Drive business change or major projects forward

Freelance talent is a flexible way to resource your marketing, creative and sales teams. You can recruit experienced professionals very quickly in a variety of ways:

These marketing, creative and sales professionals are brought into your business on a temporary basis for a number of reasons, such as maternity cover, to manage specific projects and initiatives, cover staff absences or provide expertise during transitional periods such as mergers or restructuring.

  • Flexible hourly rates
  • Conversion fees disclosed up front

Why consider a fractional or freelance hire?

Bringing in additional resource to any team requires thought, internal discussions and ultimately budget sign off. Sometimes having an interim alternative can allow a business to tackle immediate challenges without committing a long-term solution.

Some of the main reasons why we see businesses bringing in interim talent include:

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Headcount and budget constraints

Address immediate needs without long-term commitments.

Quick access to specialists and niche skills

Engage experts with niche skill sets on short notice.  

High degree of flexibility

Adapt to changing business needs with short-term contracts. Whether this be on a day rate or a fixed term contract.

Cover expected and unexpected absences

Fill gaps due to resignation, parental leave, sick leave or project-specific demands.

Make the business case for a permanent hire

Assess the role that needs to be filled and provide evidence that it is required

Access to experienced talent

Interim professionals are ready to hit the ground running

How can your business benefit from hiring freelance talent?

We’ve worked on some of the highest profile hires in the sector, and have a knack for always delivering results

Cost-effective expertise

Freelancers offer specialized skills without the overhead of full-time salaries, benefits, or long-term commitments. You pay only for the work you need, when you need it

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Speed and flexibility

Need to launch a campaign quickly or fill a sudden gap? Freelancers can often start immediately and adapt to your timelines, helping you stay agile in fast-moving markets

Access to niche talent

Freelancers often bring deep expertise in specific areas – like SEO, UX design, or B2B sales – that may not exist in-house. This allows you to tap into high-level skills on demand

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Fresh perspectives

External talent brings new ideas, creative approaches, and industry insights that can challenge internal thinking and spark innovation

Scalable support

Whether you’re scaling up for a product launch or need seasonal support, freelancers help you expand your team without the long-term risk

talk to us about your requirements

If you have a role you would like to speak to us about, please submit the details here.

Roles we typically recruit for include:

Marketing

  • Freelance Marketing Consultant
  • Fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer)
  • Brand Strategist
  • Growth Marketing Specialist
  • Product Marketing Manager

Digital

  • Digital Marketing Manager
  • PPC Specialist
  • SEO Consultant
  • Performance Marketing Analyst
  • Affiliate Marketing Manager
  • Marketing Automation Specialist

Creative and content

  • Content Marketing Specialist
  • Copywriter / SEO Copywriter
  • Social Media Manager
  • Creative Director
  • Graphic Designer Video Content Creator
  • Email Marketing Specialist
  • Creative Director (art/ copy)
  • Art Director
  • UX/ UI/ Digital Product
  • Packaging 

Sales

  • CRO (Chief Revenue Officer)
  • Head of Growth
  • Regional Sales Manager
  • Business Development Manager
  • Account Manager
What types of freelance roles can I hire for?

You can hire freelancers across a wide range of specialties, including:

– Marketing Consultant, SEO Specialist, Content Marketer
– Graphic Designer, Copywriter, Video Editor
– Sales Consultant, Lead Generation Specialist, CRM Expert

How quickly can I hire a freelancer?

Many freelance professionals are available to start immediately or within a few days. Timelines depend on the complexity of the role, your budget, and the availability of talent.

What are the benefits of hiring freelancers over full-time employees?

– Flexibility to scale based on project needs
– Faster hiring process
– Cost-efficiency with no long-term commitments or overhead

How do I ensure quality and reliability?

Work with vetted freelancers through trusted staffing partners or platforms. Always:

– Review portfolios and references
– Start with a trial project
– Set clear deliverables and timelines

What are typical freelance rates in the U.S.?

Rates vary by role and experience. As a guide:

– Marketing Consultant: $75–$150/hr
– Copywriter: $50–$120/hr
– Graphic Designer: $40–$100/hr
– Sales Consultant: $60–$150/hr

What is a fractional marketing hire?


A fractional marketing hire is a senior-level marketing professional – such as a Fractional CMO or Marketing Director – who works with your business part-time or on a contract basis. They provide strategic leadership without the cost or commitment of a full-time executive.

When should I consider hiring a fractional marketer?

Fractional marketers are ideal when you:

– Need strategic direction but don’t require a full-time CMO
– Are scaling quickly and need expert guidance-
– Want to improve ROI across marketing channels
– Are preparing for a product launch, rebrand, or market expansion

How does a fractional marketer integrate with my team?

Fractional marketers typically work remotely or in a hybrid setup, collaborating closely with your internal team, agencies, or freelancers. They often lead strategy, oversee execution, and report on performance, just like a full-time leader, but with flexible hours and scope.

Can freelancers work on-site or are they remote only?

Most freelancers work remotely, but some are open to hybrid or on-site arrangements, especially in major cities.

How do I manage and communicate with freelancers?

Use tools like:
– Trello, Asana, or Monday.com for project management
– Slack or Zoom for communication
– Google Drive or Dropbox for file sharing

What’s the best way to find top freelance talent?

– Partner with a specialist staffing agency like Carter Murray
– Tap into your network or LinkedIn

Can I convert a freelancer to a full-time employee later?

Yes, many clients start with freelancers and later offer them permanent roles. Just ensure your contract allows for this transition.

Are there legal or tax considerations?

When partnering with Carter Murray, our freelancers will be classified as W2 employees of Carter Murray. Therefore, Carter Murray assumes the responsibility of paying this talent, as well as handling all taxes and fees. The client is simply responsible for the all-encompassing hourly rate.

Why choose Carter Murray?

We’re growing rapidly because we understand the complexity of marketing and sales, inside-out. Since 2000, we’ve witnessed the transformation of these specialties first-hand –and we’ve worked hard to keep our knowledge up to date as the market has evolved. Our ability to consult with you and meet your hiring needs has remained throughout.

We cater to an incredibly diverse selection of roles, personality types, soft skills and markets, enabling us to develop careers and businesses, locally and globally.

So, whatever you need and wherever you need us, we have the knowledge and experience to support you.

Benefits

Our speed

For those business-critical roles covering mid to long-term planned and unplanned leave, we access our contracting market, and we can introduce you to specialist and generalist talent, based on your business needs, immediately

Our global footprint

We hire everywhere in the world through a network of international offices, giving you access to great marketing and sales talent, everywhere

Our candidate networks

For those business-critical roles covering mid to long-term leave, we access our contracting market and can introduce you to specialist and generalist talent, producing shortlists within 48 hours of briefing

Our enviable track record

We’ve worked on some of the highest profile hires in the sector, and have a knack for always delivering results

Our progressive attitude

We’re committed to empowering workforces and creating more diverse workplaces – and that’s what our marketing and sales consultants and interims can do

Connections

We recruit across many sectors through our sister companies Brewer Morris, Frazer Jones, Keller West and Taylor Root


Meet the team

Resources

  • US

The future is fractional: why North American brands must rethink talent in the creative economy 

  • Posted August 6, 2025
Let’s be honest. The way we build marketing and creative teams is outdated. Not because the talent isn’t out there – it is. In fact, it’s thriving. But the traditional model of full-time, in-house teams lacks the functionality and flexibility to keep up with the speed, complexity, and disruption of today’s market.  Across North America, […]
  • Career Advice

Marketing in 2025: the age of meaning, momentum, and mediocrity 

  • Posted August 6, 2025
If you’re a marketer or creative professional in 2025, you’re not just riding the wave. You’re shaping it.   The landscape has shifted. Again. But this time, it’s not just about new tech or fresh platforms. It’s about meaning. It’s about momentum. And it’s about giving a big, unapologetic rejection to mediocrity.  Let’s talk about what’s […]
  • Market Insight

The evolution of marketing careers in New York: a 25-year journey 

  • Posted August 6, 2025
Over the past quarter-century, marketing careers in New York have undergone an intense evolution. Once dominated by traditional media and Madison Avenue agencies, the field has evolved into a dynamic, tech-driven ecosystem that reflects the city’s role as a global innovation hub. From the rise of digital platforms to the emergence of data science and influencer culture, […]
Involved in a skills development seminar
  • Market Insight

The evolution of marketing careers in New York: a 25-year journey

  • Posted June 2, 2025
Over the past quarter-century, marketing careers in New York have undergone an intense evolution. Once dominated by traditional media and Madison Avenue agencies, the field has evolved into a dynamic, tech-driven ecosystem that reflects the city’s role as a global innovation hub. From the rise of digital platforms to the emergence of data science and […]
Business woman talking to her colleagues during a meeting in a boardroom
  • Career Advice

What marketing occupations are in demand in North America?

  • Posted April 10, 2025
We’ve already discussed how to become a Digital Marketing Manager in New York, but what occupations are businesses searching for more broadly across North America? As organizations embrace digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled marketing professionals is rising. From entry-level roles to executive leadership, marketing jobs are becoming more specialized […]
Smiling young businesswoman in a boardroom meeting
  • Career Advice

How to become a Chief Marketing Officer in New York

  • Posted March 3, 2025
We’ve already discussed how to become a Digital Marketing Manager in New York, but how do you become a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)? In the heart of the global business world, New York City stands as a nexus for ambitious professionals aiming to reach the top of their fields. For marketers, the pinnacle of success […]
Laughing group of diverse businesspeople going over paperwork together
  • Career Advice

How to become a Digital Marketing Manager in New York

  • Posted February 26, 2025
In the bustling city of New York City, where innovation meets commerce, Digital Marketing Managers play a pivotal role in shaping how brands connect with consumers. As businesses increasingly shift their focus to online platforms, the demand for skilled digital marketing professionals continues to rise. This article explores: What does a Digital Marketing Manager do? […]

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