Assistant to Head of Design - Von Dutch / Ed Hardy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant to Head of Design

Company: DNAM Brands

Location: Beverly Hills, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Support / Administrative

Date Posted: 2026-06-20

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-1 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide critical day-to-day administrative and organizational support to the Head of Design, ensuring seamless operational flow for the design department.

• Manage and optimize the Head of Design's calendar, communications, and scheduling to maximize productivity and efficiency.

• Facilitate effective internal and external communications, acting as a point of contact for the design team and external stakeholders.

• Maintain rigorous organization of files, documents, and company records, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for operational needs.

• Support the creation and updating of essential reports, trackers, and spreadsheets, leveraging Google Sheets for data management and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Assistant to Head of Design," has significant operational undertones. The core function is to support the smooth, efficient operation of the design department by managing administrative tasks, information flow, and organizational systems. This is a foundational role within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and operational structure of DNAM Brands, particularly within its creative and brand management functions. The emphasis on Google Workspace and data management points to a need for foundational operations proficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Calendar and Meeting Management: Proactively manage and coordinate the Head of Design's calendar, including scheduling meetings, appointments, and travel, ensuring no conflicts and optimizing time allocation.

• Communication Triage: Monitor, organize, and prioritize incoming emails and correspondence, identifying urgent matters and drafting responses where appropriate.

• Meeting Support: Assist with meeting preparation by gathering materials, setting up logistics, taking detailed notes, and tracking follow-up action items to ensure accountability.

• Record Keeping and Document Management: Maintain a highly organized system for physical and digital files, documents, and company records, ensuring easy retrieval and compliance with company standards.

• Reporting and Data Tracking: Create and update various reports, trackers, and spreadsheets using Google Sheets, contributing to data-driven decision-making and operational visibility for the design team.

• Stakeholder Communication: Coordinate internal and external communications on behalf of the Head of Design, liaising with other departments, external partners, and vendors.

• Project Support: Provide support for special projects and ad-hoc administrative tasks as assigned, contributing to the successful execution of broader design initiatives.

• Deadline and Priority Management: Help ensure deadlines, meetings, and key business priorities stay on track by proactively monitoring progress and flagging potential issues.

• General Administrative Support: Provide comprehensive general administrative support to the Head of Design, contributing to the overall efficiency of the design department's operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on operational efficiency within a creative department. This role is about enabling the Head of Design to focus on strategic creative work by handling the operational overhead. Skills in process management, information organization, and proactive communication are paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Business Administration, Marketing, Design) is a plus.

Experience: 0–1 years of experience in an administrative, office support, internship, or assistant role. Experience within the fashion, retail, or lifestyle brand industry is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Calendar Management & Scheduling: Proven ability to manage complex calendars and schedule appointments efficiently.

• Email Management & Prioritization: Skill in organizing and prioritizing high volumes of email correspondence.

• Meeting Preparation & Follow-up: Experience in preparing for meetings, taking accurate minutes, and tracking action items.

• Google Workspace Proficiency: Strong command of Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and especially Google Sheets for data organization and basic analysis.

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to maintain order, manage multiple tasks, and keep detailed records.

• Time Management: Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Written and Verbal Communication: Excellent English communication skills, with clarity and professionalism in all interactions.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all tasks.

• Confidentiality: Proven trustworthiness and ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

• Multitasking Capability: Ability to juggle multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously without compromising quality.

• Proactive Attitude: Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving and task completion.

• Eagerness to Learn: A strong desire to learn, develop new skills, and grow within the company.

• Positive Work Ethic: A motivated and positive attitude, committed to contributing to team success.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com).

• Familiarity with design software or creative workflows.

• Basic understanding of fashion brand operations or GTM processes.

• Experience supporting senior-level executives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "0-1 years" with a "willingness to learn" and "long-term growth" suggests this is an entry-level operations support role. The required skills are foundational for any administrative or operations assistant position, with a specific focus on the Google Workspace suite, which is common in many tech-forward and modern companies for operational efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Organizational Systems Showcase: Examples of how you have organized digital files, physical documents, or information systems to improve accessibility and efficiency. This could include personal project organization or internship contributions.

• Communication Workflow Examples: Demonstrations of how you managed communication flows, prioritized emails, or facilitated information exchange between parties.

• Scheduling & Calendar Management Samples: If possible, anonymized examples illustrating your ability to manage complex schedules, resolve conflicts, or optimize time allocation.

• Data Tracking & Reporting Samples: Examples of spreadsheets (Google Sheets preferred) you've created for tracking tasks, projects, or basic data, demonstrating your ability to manage information systematically.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to document simple workflows for task management or information dissemination.

• Efficiency Improvements: Examples of suggesting or implementing minor process improvements in previous roles or personal projects to save time or reduce errors.

• System Usage: Clear articulation of how you used tools like Google Workspace to manage your work and achieve objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be strictly required for an entry-level role, candidates are expected to demonstrate their organizational and process management capabilities. Providing examples, even from personal projects or internships, that showcase how they manage tasks, information, and time will be crucial. This aligns with demonstrating operational aptitude.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000 annually.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the location (Beverly Hills, CA), experience level (0-1 years), and the nature of the role (Assistant to Head of Design with administrative/operations focus), a competitive salary range for this position in the Los Angeles metropolitan area typically falls between $45,000 and $55,000 per year. This estimate considers the cost of living in Beverly Hills and typical entry-level administrative compensation benchmarks. Research was conducted using salary aggregators for similar administrative assistant roles in Los Angeles, factoring in the specific industry (fashion/lifestyle brands) and required skill sets.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Employee Discounts: Discounts on DNAM Brands' portfolio of products and brands.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and growth within the company.

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance with transportation costs for on-site employees.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday to Friday. Some flexibility may be required to accommodate the Head of Design's schedule or urgent operational needs, with potential for occasional overtime during peak periods or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The working hours are typical for a full-time administrative role. The mention of potential overtime and flexibility is standard for support roles that directly assist senior leadership, especially in fast-paced environments like fashion and brand management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion and Lifestyle Brand Management. DNAM Brands operates in a dynamic and competitive market, managing a portfolio of well-known brands such as Von Dutch and Ed Hardy. This industry demands creativity, trend awareness, and efficient operational execution to bring products to market successfully.

Company Size: DNAM Brands is a growing organization, likely employing between 50-200 employees, based on the typical structure of brand management companies that acquire and manage multiple labels. This size suggests a relatively agile environment where employees can have a tangible impact.

Founded: While the exact founding date of DNAM Brands is not specified, the company's focus on established brands like Von Dutch and Ed Hardy indicates a history of brand acquisition and management, suggesting a company with established market presence and strategic growth plans.

Team Structure:

• Design Department: The Assistant will be part of the Design department, working closely with the Head of Design and potentially other designers, product developers, and merchandisers.

• Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Head of Design, indicating a close working relationship and direct support.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While primarily supporting design, this role will likely interact with other departments such as Marketing, Sales, Product Development, and Operations to facilitate communication and information flow across the GTM process.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: The company's reliance on Google Sheets for reporting suggests a commitment to using data to inform decisions, even at an administrative support level.

• Process Optimization: The desire for an organized and proactive assistant implies a culture that values efficiency and streamlined workflows within the design and brand management processes.

• Brand Management Focus: The core business is brand management, requiring a blend of creative oversight and operational rigor to maintain brand identity and market relevance.

Company Website: [DNAM Brands website URL would be inserted here if available, e.g., dnambrands.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's industry and size is crucial for operations roles. DNAM Brands operates in a fast-paced, trend-driven sector. The "Assistant" role is essentially an entry-level operations support function within the creative arm of the business, requiring an understanding of how administrative efficiency directly impacts the GTM pipeline for fashion products.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level (0-1 years) operational support position. It serves as a foundational stepping stone for individuals looking to build a career in administrative management, operations coordination, or potentially brand/product management within the fashion and lifestyle industry.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the Head of Design provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight, allowing for focused learning and development within the design department's operational framework.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue-generating processes, this role has a significant indirect impact. By ensuring the Head of Design and the design team operate efficiently, it directly contributes to the timely and effective development of new products and collections, which are critical components of the company's go-to-market strategy and eventual revenue generation. Efficient operations in design lead to faster product launches and better market responsiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Internal Mobility: Successful performance can lead to opportunities for advancement into roles such as Senior Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, Design Coordinator, or Junior Operations Coordinator within DNAM Brands.

• Skill Development: The role offers hands-on experience with essential operational tools (Google Workspace), administrative best practices, and exposure to the fashion industry's product development lifecycle.

• Leadership Potential: Demonstrating strong organizational skills, initiative, and a proactive approach can pave the way for future leadership opportunities in operations or project management. The company explicitly states a desire for candidates looking for "long-term growth and development opportunities."

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding career progression is key. This role is a clear entry point. The "growth" aspect is tied to developing core operational competencies and understanding the business context of the fashion industry. The company's stated interest in long-term growth is a strong signal for ambitious candidates.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: DNAM Brands operates from a physical office in Beverly Hills, indicating a professional, corporate environment. This is a standard on-site role.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Beverly Hills, California. This location is known for its corporate presence within the fashion and entertainment industries, offering a professional and potentially inspiring work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While supporting an individual, the role is within a design department, suggesting interactions with a creative team. The workspace is likely designed to foster both focused work and collaboration.

• Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to standard office equipment and the necessary software, particularly the Google Workspace suite, to perform their duties effectively.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with designers, brand managers, and other professionals within DNAM Brands, providing exposure to various facets of the business.

Work Schedule: The role follows a standard 40-hour work week (Monday-Friday). While this provides a predictable schedule, the nature of supporting a Head of Design in a fast-paced industry may require occasional flexibility to manage urgent tasks or meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Beverly Hills is a key factor. This environment is conducive to high-level professional interaction and offers direct exposure to the business operations of a fashion brand headquarters.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Head of Design to discuss your experience, skills, motivation, and fit for the role. This will likely focus on behavioral questions related to organization, communication, and problem-solving.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A practical exercise, possibly involving a short task using Google Sheets or a scenario-based question to assess organizational and communication abilities.

• Final Interview (Potential): A meeting with other key team members or HR to assess cultural fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Organization: Since a formal portfolio may not be expected, prepare 2-3 specific examples (anonymized if necessary) that demonstrate your organizational skills, how you managed tasks, or improved a process in a previous role or academic project.

• Highlight Google Workspace Proficiency: Be ready to talk about specific ways you've used Google Sheets for tracking, reporting, or data organization. If you have created any useful templates, have them ready to show.

• Showcase Communication Skills: Prepare to discuss how you managed email or handled communication in a professional setting.

• Emphasize Proactiveness and Learning: Articulate your willingness to learn and take initiative. Share examples of times you went above and beyond or took on new responsibilities.

• Tailor to the Role: Frame your examples around supporting a busy professional, managing multiple priorities, and contributing to team efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions like: "How would you prioritize these emails if you received 50 in an hour?" or "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting schedule requests."

• Google Sheets Functionality: Brush up on basic Google Sheets functions (sorting, filtering, basic formulas like SUM, AVERAGE) as this is a key tool mentioned.

• Confidentiality: Understand the importance of discretion when discussing past experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level operations support role, the interview process will likely assess foundational skills and potential. Demonstrating organizational acumen, communication clarity, and a proactive, learning-oriented mindset will be key. The "portfolio" here is more about having tangible examples to discuss rather than a formal document.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Google Workspace Suite:

  • Gmail: For professional email communication and organization.
  • Google Calendar: Essential for managing schedules, appointments, and meetings.
  • Google Docs: For creating and editing documents, reports, and correspondence.
  • Google Sheets: Crucial for creating and updating reports, trackers, and spreadsheets; basic data management and analysis.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Email Clients: Primarily Gmail.

• Internal Communication Tools: Likely Slack or Microsoft Teams (specifics not provided, but common in corporate environments).

Other Potential Tools (Exposure-based):

• Project Management Software: Potentially Asana, Trello, or Monday.com, depending on the team's usage.

• Cloud Storage: Google Drive for file management.

• Basic CRM/ERP familiarity: While not a core requirement, exposure to how customer or product data is managed can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Google Workspace is a significant indicator of the technology stack. Proficiency in these tools, especially Google Sheets, is non-negotiable and will be a primary focus during the assessment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Organization & Efficiency: A strong emphasis on maintaining order, streamlining processes, and ensuring operational tasks are completed promptly and accurately.

• Proactivity & Initiative: Valuing team members who take ownership, anticipate needs, and contribute ideas for improvement.

• Professionalism & Confidentiality: Upholding high standards of conduct and discretion, especially when handling sensitive information and communications.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together to achieve common goals, particularly within the design department.

• Growth Mindset: Encouraging continuous learning, skill development, and a commitment to long-term career progression within the company.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive & Responsive: The team likely operates with a collaborative spirit, where members support each other's work. The assistant role is inherently about providing support.

• Communication-Oriented: Clear and timely communication is essential, especially between the assistant and the Head of Design, and across different departments.

• Process-Focused: A culture that values structured approaches to tasks and projects, ensuring consistency and quality in output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, as inferred from the job description, emphasize a professional, efficient, and growth-oriented environment. For an operations-minded candidate, demonstrating alignment with these values—particularly organization, proactivity, and a desire for continuous improvement—will be key to cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Senior Executive Priorities: Effectively balancing the demands and priorities of the Head of Design with other departmental needs and deadlines.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to the quick turnaround times and evolving demands typical of the fashion industry.

• Information Overload: Developing strategies to manage and prioritize a high volume of emails, requests, and data.

• Learning New Systems/Processes: Quickly becoming proficient with DNAM Brands' specific operational workflows and any additional tools they utilize.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operational Skill Mastery: Deepening expertise in administrative operations, calendar management, and office organization.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining firsthand experience in the fashion and lifestyle brand management industry, understanding product cycles and GTM strategies.

• Professional Networking: Building relationships within DNAM Brands and potentially with external partners.

• Career Path Exploration: The explicit mention of long-term growth suggests opportunities to explore various roles within the company as skills and experience develop.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and growth areas is vital for operations roles. This role presents opportunities to hone core operational skills in a dynamic industry, with a clear pathway for advancement if performance is strong.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Organizational Approach: "How do you typically organize your tasks and prioritize your workload when faced with multiple competing demands?" (Prepare to discuss specific methods like to-do lists, time blocking, or prioritization matrices).

• Communication Scenarios: "Describe a time you had to communicate a complex message or handle a difficult email. How did you approach it?" (Focus on clarity, professionalism, and problem-solving).

• Problem-Solving in Operations: "Imagine the Head of Design has conflicting meetings scheduled for the same time. How would you resolve this?" (Demonstrate critical thinking, communication, and a solutions-oriented mindset).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working for DNAM Brands and specifically supporting our Head of Design?" (Research the brands, their market position, and express genuine interest in the fashion industry and operational support).

• Work Style: "What kind of work environment do you thrive in, and how do you contribute to a positive team culture?" (Align your answer with the company values of professionalism, collaboration, and proactivity).

• Growth Ambitions: "Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years, and how does this role fit into your career goals?" (Reiterate your interest in long-term growth and development within the company).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "Show, Don't Just Tell": Instead of just listing skills, prepare brief, concrete examples. For instance, "In my previous internship, I implemented a new system for tracking project deadlines in Google Sheets, which reduced missed tasks by 15%."

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. If you can't quantify, describe the positive outcome clearly (e.g., "improved efficiency," "smoother communication").

• Demonstrate Google Workspace Use: Be ready to briefly explain how you leveraged Google Sheets for a specific task or how you managed your calendar effectively using Google Calendar.

• Professionalism and Enthusiasm: Present your examples with confidence and enthusiasm, showcasing your eagerness to apply these skills in a professional setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for operations roles, even entry-level ones, should focus on demonstrating practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural alignment. Candidates should be ready to articulate their processes and provide evidence of their capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations support position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your organizational skills, experience with Google Workspace (especially Google Sheets), communication abilities, and any relevant administrative or internship experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for DNAM Brands, the fashion industry, and this specific role. Clearly articulate why you are a good fit for supporting the Head of Design and mention your interest in long-term growth.

• Portfolio Preparation: Prepare brief, tangible examples (as discussed above) that showcase your organizational capabilities, communication skills, and proficiency with Google Workspace tools to discuss during interviews.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with DNAM Brands, Von Dutch, Ed Hardy, and their market presence. Understand their brand identity and how efficient operations contribute to their success in the fashion industry.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.