Contract / Freelance (with growth opportunity), preferably near Boulder / Nederland Colorado

Role Overview

We’re seeking a contract Apparel Design & Technical Development Assistant to support design development, color-ups, and technical communication. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both creative and technical work, understands how small businesses operate, and is comfortable wearing multiple hats.

For the right person, there is an opportunity to grow into a project management–focused role over time.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Color Development

Design new products as needed for small brands in the sustainable apparel market.
Create apparel color-ups and CADs using Adobe Illustrator
Work with Pantone Connect to manage color palettes and accurate color communication
Support seasonal color strategy and material callouts

Technical Development Support

Compile and organize technical development comments from fittings, samples, and vendor feedback
Update visuals, callouts, and design details based on development notes
Assist with clear, production-ready communication for factories and vendors
Help track sample rounds, revisions, and approvals
Meetings with vendors happen at odd hours mornings, and evenings and will be required to grow into a project manager.

Workflow & Organization

Support timelines and help flag risks or delays
Collaborate closely with the lead designer/founder

Required Skills & Experience

Strong Adobe Illustrator skills (apparel flats, CADs, color-ups)
Experience working with Pantone Connect
Understanding of apparel construction and terminology
Ability to interpret and organize technical feedback
Comfortable working in a small business/startup environment
Flexible, solutions-oriented, and detail-focused
Clear written communication skills use of AI to help create professional communication with vendors.

Nice to Have

Experience with tech packs or production workflows
Familiarity with vendor communication and development timelines
Interest in or experience with project coordination or project management
Background in sustainable materials or responsible production

Growth Opportunity

This role has the potential to evolve into a Design Project Management or Development Management position for the right person — someone who shows ownership, strong organization, and proactive communication.

Contract Details (Flexible)

Type: Freelance / Contract
Hours: Flexible (10–30 hrs/week or project-based)
Duration: Ongoing, with potential long-term collaboration
Rate: 35-40 an hour DOE with ability to grow as billing rate increases.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Detail-oriented but practical
Comfortable with ambiguity and evolving priorities
Understands the realities of small brands (speed, budget, flexibility)
Interested in growing responsibility over time

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Apparel Design & Technical Development Assistant