Category: Jobs@theMortar
June 25th, 2009

UPDATE – Intern watch 2009 – Breaking news

Dear Applicants:

Thank you for crashing our inbox with all of your delicious
qualifications. Due to the overwhelming response, we might have to hire
an intern to hire our intern.

Trust that we have, indeed, received all queries, and are in the
process of sifting and selecting. We will get back (soon, we promise)
and set up an interview sometime in the week of June 29ish.

Please, no calls or follow-up emails. As much as we'd like to
personally get back to you all, it just ain't gonna happen. If you are
a finalist you'll be hearing from us – warn your parents.

Thank you for your interest in Mortar!

The Management.

June 2nd, 2009

Excitable Account Executive. Or Really Smart Puppy.

We're seeking an account executive/coordinator with at least 2-3 years experience to manage business development and respond to Requests For Proposal. The perfect candidate will be the type who gets unreasonably excited every time a potential client sends out a Request For Proposal. “We actually have a shot at getting the Company X account? But they’re a global leader in leading globally! We’ve just got to get it!” See? Unreasonably excited. Like when you come home and your new puppy acts like you’ve been gone for a month. (Piddling on the rug, however, is frowned upon. No. No.)

To apply please send resume and a cover note of no more than 300 words describing:

– Your approach to working under pressure and deadlines (and no, studying for finals does not count)
– Success herding cats – even though puppies are traditionally lousy at this
– Business writing experience
– RFP production expertise
– If you have video editing/creation experience all the better
– Negotiating schedules with internal staff
– Your willingness to make the occasional coffee run

Candidates with agency experience will be reviewed first. Extra points for Keynote and Pages skills.

Send your note, subject line: "Woof", to smartypants@mortaragency.com. But no calls please, we're on the phone enough as it is.

July 17th, 2008

We’re hiring a PR Director!

TURN PR UPSIDE DOWN, INSIDE OUT AND SIDEWAYS.
BONUS POINTS FOR STYLE.

Okay, we’re looking for someone pretty special, so we’ve decided to use a highly-scientific point system on this job posting. Let’s begin.

We are in search of a strategist. A mentor. A raconteur and bon-vivant. Someone who can speak fluently (and passionately) about PR trends, brand strategy, and the convergence of marketing and social media.

Add three points if you think people who use the word “convergence” are complete poseurs.

Of course, you won’t have the luxury of just sitting around thinking. We’re a bit too frenetic for that. Instead, you’ll be one of the loudest voices (figuratively speaking) on our leadership team.

Add five points if you think people who use the term “leadership team” should be placed in re-education camps.

You’ll plan and drive strategy on major accounts, coordinate agency resources, develop your team, and provide laser-accurate guidance for the future. You’ll also contribute regularly to our new business efforts.

Subtract two points if the phrase “develop your team” scares you too much.

We’re Mortar, a San Francisco-based communications agency with a thing for challenger brands. We work across all media. And we offer our clients a different “way in” through unexpected consumer insight. PR has been integral to our success from day one. We believe every program can be magnified by the power of positive coverage. We believe in traditional outreach. But we’re also known for alternative strategies from street-level initiatives to advanced WOM techniques.

Add one point for saying “WOM” out loud.

You’ll need 7-10 years of B2C agency or in-house experience.

Add two points.

An abject hatred of big PR agency politics.

Add fifty points.

And a belief that there must be a better way.

Add twenty-five points.

You’ve worked with brand managers, account planners, creatives, media people, and the occasional intern.

Add ten points.

Substantial WOM experience is key.

Add five points.

Most important, you’re funny, slightly sarcastic, and capable of consuming fishbowl-size margaritas on a regular basis.

Add fifteen points.

Just like you, we’re selective about who we work with. Personality really matters. After all, we want you to feel at home here and help shape our agency for years to come.

OK, add up your score.

100 or above: Grab a fire extinguisher! Your pants are on fire! You are an abject liar, sir-or-madam. Why would you need this job? You invented the Internet! Also, the submarine sandwich!
But seriously, we admire your chutzpah. If you’re not running for Congress, we should talk. (And plan your run for Congress.)

75 to 100: Have you lost weight? New hair? What is it about you? We love it. Send your resume. Or call us, we’ll come pick it up. 

50 to 75: We find you strangely compelling, like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. We know we shouldn’t, but…give us a taste anyway.   

0-49: Have you considered a career in telemarketing?

Start by sending a brief cover letter and resume to our MD, Mark Williams, mark@mortaragency.com.

 Bay Area residents only, please. All responses held in strictest confidence.