Household Manager & Family Assistant

Household Manager & Family AssistantLocation: Chicago, IL 60618Employment Type: Part-Time, 15 hours per weekSchedule: Three 5-hour shifts per week; days are flexible with some preference for a Thursday or Friday. Occasional availability/interest for evening date night coverage or overnight care is a plus.Compensation: $32-$37 per hourStart Date: ASAPRequirementsPrior experience in a household or family assistant roleComfortable working around young children and a calm 70 lb dogMaintain a smoke-free environmentMust be authorized to work in the United StatesReliable transportation (vehicle preferred; mileage reimbursement provided)Ability to navigate multiple flights of stairs throughout the dayAbility to lift up to 40 lbs.About Our FamilyWe're an active family of four on the northwest side of Chicago with two working parents and two little ones who somehow generate both endless joy and an impressive amount of tiny shoes. The kids are in full-time daycare, so the house is usually quiet during the day, but mornings and evenings are a sprint. We also have a sweet older pit/lab mix who loves greeting visitors before heading back for a nap.We're cultivating a warm, laid-back household — real talk, a lot of laughs, and a home that's lived-in, not precious. We appreciate people who are direct but kind, and we genuinely want whoever joins us to feel comfortable here.Both parents have demanding full-time jobs—one commuting downtown several days a week and the other traveling fairly often—so the mental load of managing the house has started to crowd out the time and energy we want to spend actually being with our kids. We're looking for someone who can take real ownership of the household so we can exhale.We recently survived a long bathroom renovation and learned (the hard way) how much smoother life runs when someone competent is coordinating the details. That's the energy we're hoping to bring into our week.More than anything, we're looking for the right fit: someone reliable, steady, and genuinely warm.Who You Are / What We're Looking ForYou aren't new to working with families, and you know how to read the room. You can tell when a parent is buried in back-to-back calls and when it's the perfect moment to pop in with a quick question or when to take care of it on your own. You observe before you overhaul, ask before you change things, and bring a thoughtful, solutions-focused suggestion to the table when you have an idea for how to improve household systems.You're organized and proactive, but not rigid. You genuinely enjoy taking the mental load off a stretched-thin family and find real satisfaction in the small wins: a clear counter, a stocked pantry, a smoother morning. You're comfortable around toddlers and their big feelings, unfazed by a dog who greets you like you're a celebrity and then promptly falls asleep nearby. You take feedback without taking it personally, communicate clearly, and build trust by being steady, warm, and reliably on top of the details.If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.Key ResponsibilitiesHousehold Organization & MaintenanceCreate and maintain household organization systems, including the pantry, kids' gear and toys, and recurring clutter spotsDaily tidying resets: wiping kitchen surfaces, running and emptying the dishwasher, light vacuuming of high-traffic areasPrep the home before cleaning visitsSeasonal clothing and décor swaps, including routinely sorting kids' clothing for size adjustmentsIntentionally coordinate and prepare donation drop-offs, including outreach to local community groups and parent networksAssist with preparation for gatherings and holidaysPack and unpack for family travel, including post-trip laundryMaintain air purifiers and humidifiersLaundry & LinensWash, fold, and organize laundry with priority on kids' clothes, towels, and linensSpecial garment care, including hand-washing items as directed, ironing, and steamingOccasional dry cleaning run (~once a month)Keep laundry area tidy and supplies stockedInventory & ErrandsMaintain household supply lists (pantry, fridge, household essentials) and restock items as neededManage online orders for groceries and household suppliesHandle mail and packages: bring in packages, sort and recycle junk mail, break down boxesHandle package returns, ensuring items are mailed back prior to return deadlineShop for gifts and run other miscellaneous errands as requestedMeal SupportPlan and prepare 1–2 family-style dinners per week that double as leftovers and lunchesWash and prep produce so it's ready to use throughout the weekBatch prepare healthy lunch options for one parentGrocery shop for smaller hauls approximately once per weekMaintain tidy and organized kitchen spaceVendor & Property OversightManage scheduling and serve as the household point of contact for cleaners, contractors, and service providersResearch repair options and coordinate quotes as neededMaintain a seasonal home maintenance calendar (HVAC, AC service, air filters, etc.)Monitor and restock outdoor supplies as neededPet CareOccasional dog walking, particularly when one parent is traveling and the other is in the officeMonitor and restock pet food and suppliesFamily SupportOccasional light backup childcare during daycare closures and date night coverage (evening hours, pending employee availability for extra hours)Openness to occasional overnight coverage when both parents travel preferredKid-related errands as neededPotential for family support to grow as kids transition to elementary school in a few yearsDeep Cleaning & Special ProjectsOccasional deep cleans: fridge, oven, pantry, baseboards, dishwasher, washing machine, dryerOrganizational projects focused on kids' toys, gear, and seasonal clothing transitionsDeck tidying when weather allows and possible opportunities to help with small yard maintenance if interestedAdministrative & Personal Assistant SupportMaintain proactive awareness of the family calendar (Skylight)Provide support for travel research for family trips(Airbnb shortlists, itinerary logistics)Manage occasional appointment or reservation bookingTrack expenses and coordinate reimbursementsAssist with planning for birthdays and other eventsHow to ApplyIf this role sounds like a great fit, please send the following to Sage Haus:A short intro letter telling us a little about yourself and why this role appeals to youAn updated resumeThree professional references with contact informationPlease note that this role requires a background check.When you apply with Sage Haus, you'll also be added to our candidate community email list so we can share hiring updates, resources, and opportunities. 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