Really? FOR ALL THIS WE'LL PAY YOU $15/hr. junior publicist...

SO - saw this post online... Was amused then horrified. The position listed has many demands. If the "starting rate" were annualized - this junior team member would be a bit under $30K. Not a bad starting salary. However - the position has requirements that an entry-level PR professional simply could not meet. {caps are theirs not mine} We have to manage client expectations - but should also seek to manage our own.

THE JUNIOR PUBLICIST will assist the Director of Public Relations on all retainer client accounts, taking direction and working closely with staff in the company's Los Angeles and New York offices. It is essential that the applicant be well-rounded in their past experience and that they have strong entertainment and lifestyle press contacts, as well as RELATIONSHIPS WITH KEY BROADCAST OUTLETS.

Duties include:
• working directly with the LA PR team on a daily basis to secure placements and coverage for all retainer based PR Clients
+CONSTANT ONGOING COMMUNICATION WITH THE NEW YORK OFFICE (PR LIASON BETWEEN THE TWO OFFICES)
• ASSIST IN WritING/editING company and client pitches, press releases and other PR materials; Distributing to appropriate press outlets
• Constant research and pursuit of press opportunities for clients; securing meaningful press placements regularly
• Creating and maintaining relationships with editors, producers, writers
+STRATEGIZING AND CREATIVE BRAINSTORMING FOR ALL CLIENTS

Candidates must have:
• At least 2 years relevant experience
+Pre-existing database of LONG AND SHORT LEAD press contacts -- print, broadcast and online (BLOGGERS ARE KEY)
• Strong communication skills, and experience INTERFACING with clients
• Thorough knowledge of the content and voice of a multitude of press outlets and an understanding of how they need to be pitched
• ORGANIZATION SKILLS, BE forward thinking and resourceful AND understand the necessity of follow-up
• THE Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines in an efficient manner
• EVENT EXPERIENCE: securing press RSVP's for client and company events, as well as pre and post event coverage; KNOW HOW TO service photos, work with event photographers to garner press worthy photo opportunities, manage the red carpet and press placement on the carpet.
• Experience and knowledge of computer programs such as Cision and Microsoft works.

***PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU COMPUTER-ILLITERATE***

Please reply with your cover letter and resume to the email address above.

• Location: Hollywood, CA
• Compensation: $15 per hour starting rate <---- REALLY?!?!