Part-Time House Manager / Family Assistant

Job TitleHouse Manager / Family AssistantLocationPortland, OR 97212Employment TypePart-time | 12-18 hours per weekScheduleMonday through Friday, approximately 3:00–6:30 PM. Some flexibility appreciated.Compensation$35–$40 per hour, depending on experience. Mileage reimbursement provided for use of personal vehicle.Start DateASAPRequirementsReliable personal transportation and a clean driving recordMaintain a smoke-free environment.Must be authorized to work in the United States.Candidates are required to be up to date on recommended vaccinations in line with American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines (including COVID-19, influenza, and Tdap), subject to applicable legal accommodations.CPR and First Aid certification preferredMust be willing to sign a confidentiality agreementAbout Our FamilyWe are a busy, warm, and welcoming household of four navigating the beautiful chaos of raising two active school-age boys, alongside a large and lovable Labrador and a multigenerational home that includes an elderly family member. Our home is full of energy, activity, and connection — the boys are deeply involved in soccer with multiple practices each week, playing piano, and are at an age where they are becoming increasingly independent. We are looking for someone who can support that growth by encouraging responsibility, confidence, and good habits while being a positive, steady presence in their lives.One parent works in a demanding medical specialty with long consecutive shifts, and the other maintains a full-time professional schedule with limited flexibility at home. When one parent is in a work block, the household needs to continue running smoothly with minimal disruption. We are looking for someone who can step into the rhythm of our home, anticipate what needs to be done, and provide thoughtful support with warmth and initiative.Until recently, an extended family member lived with us and played a major role in supporting the daily flow of our household — from cooking and laundry to tidying and keeping things organized. Her departure has left a meaningful gap, and we are looking for someone who can step into that support role with confidence, kindness, and a genuine desire to become part of our family's routine.We love good food, a calm and organized home, and the simple moments of family life — especially sitting down together for dinner whenever schedules allow. We value patience, respect, and kindness, and we hope to welcome someone into our home who appreciates different perspectives and lifestyles and helps create an environment where everyone feels comfortable, supported, and included.Who You Are / What We're Looking ForThe ideal candidate is calm, flexible, and not easily rattled when schedules shift — because in a busy household, they inevitably will. You are highly organized with strong executive functioning skills: you can walk into a space, understand what needs attention, and take initiative without needing a detailed task list. You are proactive, self-directed, and comfortable managing the moving pieces of a home through calendars, systems, and thoughtful planning.You are someone who enjoys being part of the rhythm of family life. You bring positive energy to the home and genuinely enjoy engaging with children, especially active, curious boys who are continuing to grow in independence and confidence. You are a strong role model who helps them build responsibility, learn practical life skills, and feel supported as they navigate new challenges.You are adaptable and able to pivot when plans change, approaching unexpected moments with patience, humor, and good judgment. You communicate clearly, follow through on commitments, and are someone the family can trust. You are comfortable in a multigenerational household and bring kindness, respect, and an open-minded perspective to the different personalities, experiences, and lifestyles that make up the home.You genuinely enjoy cooking and take pride in preparing thoughtful, nutritious meals — whether that means following a recipe, creating something from what is already available, or finding meals the whole family will enjoy. You appreciate a well-run home and find satisfaction in creating systems that make everyday life easier. You are also willing to roll up your sleeves and help with practical projects, whether that means assembling furniture, troubleshooting household needs, or jumping into hands-on tasks when they arise.Above all, we are looking for someone dependable, honest, warm, and capable — someone who can become a trusted presence in the household and help create a positive, organized, and welcoming environment for everyone who lives there.Key ResponsibilitiesMeal Planning & PrepPrepare approximately 3 family dinners per week, with leftoversBatch prep easy grab-and-go breakfasts for early morningsWash, cut, and prep produce so it is ready to usePrepare healthy, packable school lunches and snack componentsVegan meal preparation for an elderly household member, or coordination of an appropriate meal serviceGrocery shopping with attention to freshness, quality, and expiration dates; also handle grocery pickup as neededKitchen cleanup and reset after meal prepTeach the kids foundational cooking skills, including knife safety and safe food handling; engage them in picking and preparing mealsFamily SupportAfternoon pickups and drop-offs for after-school activities, including soccer practices and piano lessons; occasional carpoolingLight supervision and adult presence for school-age childrenEncourage kids to build independence and follow household responsibilities (laundry, dog care, keeping shared spaces tidy)Coordinate transportation for an elderly household member to medical appointments and lab draws as neededHousehold Organization & MaintenanceCreate and/or Maintain household organization systemsDaily resets and prep home for cleanersLight tidying (dishes, surfaces, vacuum high-traffic areas)Seasonal swaps (clothing, décor, bedding)Prepare and coordinate donation drop-offsEvent/holiday/guest prepPacking/unpacking for travelIndoor plant careChange batteries, light bulbs, smoke detectors, etc as neededMonthly air filter and HVAC filter changesInventory & ErrandsRestock pantry/fridge/household suppliesManage running household supply listsManage household orders and subscriptions as needed (Amazon/Costco/Target)Returns, dry cleaning, gift shoppingMail and package handlingBreakdown boxesLaundry & LinensWash, fold, and organize family laundryMake beds; support kids in learning to make their ownHelp teach children to do their own laundry independentlyMaintain a tidy, well-stocked laundry areaPet CareFeed and walk the family dog dailyMaintain the dog's medication supply (including flea/tick prevention) and flag when refills are neededSchedule veterinary and grooming appointments as neededDeep Cleaning & Special ProjectsOccasional deep cleans of the refrigerator, freezer, and oven (not covered by current cleaners)Refresh and organize high-traffic zones: garage, living/dining room, entrywaySeasonal gear rotation and organizational projectsSupport conversion of a newly available room into a functional study and guest spaceAssist with practical household projects as they arise (e.g., home irrigation setup, furniture assembly)Vendor & Property OversightResearch and coordinate home repair quotes and service vendors