Part-Time House Manager / Family Assistant

Job Title

House Manager / Family Assistant

Location

Portland, OR 97212

Employment Type

Part-time | 12-18 hours per week

Schedule

Monday 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 Date

ASAP

Requirements

• Reliable personal transportation and a clean driving record
• Maintain 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 preferred
• Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement

About Our Family

We 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 For

The 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 Responsibilities

Meal Planning & Prep

• Prepare approximately 3 family dinners per week, with leftovers
• Batch prep easy grab-and-go breakfasts for early mornings
• Wash, cut, and prep produce so it is ready to use
• Prepare healthy, packable school lunches and snack components
• Vegan meal preparation for an elderly household member, or coordination of an appropriate meal service
• Grocery shopping with attention to freshness, quality, and expiration dates; also handle grocery pickup as needed
• Kitchen cleanup and reset after meal prep
• Teach the kids foundational cooking skills, including knife safety and safe food handling; engage them in picking and preparing meals

Family Support

• Afternoon pickups and drop-offs for after-school activities, including soccer practices and piano lessons; occasional carpooling
• Light supervision and adult presence for school-age children
• Encourage 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 needed

Household Organization & Maintenance

• Create and/or Maintain household organization systems
• Daily resets and prep home for cleaners
• Light tidying (dishes, surfaces, vacuum high-traffic areas)
• Seasonal swaps (clothing, décor, bedding)
• Prepare and coordinate donation drop-offs
• Event/holiday/guest prep
• Packing/unpacking for travel
• Indoor plant care
• Change batteries, light bulbs, smoke detectors, etc as needed
• Monthly air filter and HVAC filter changes

Inventory & Errands

• Restock pantry/fridge/household supplies
• Manage running household supply lists
• Manage household orders and subscriptions as needed (Amazon/Costco/Target)
• Returns, dry cleaning, gift shopping
• Mail and package handling
• Breakdown boxes

Laundry & Linens

• Wash, fold, and organize family laundry
• Make beds; support kids in learning to make their own
• Help teach children to do their own laundry independently
• Maintain a tidy, well-stocked laundry area

Pet Care

• Feed and walk the family dog daily
• Maintain the dog's medication supply (including flea/tick prevention) and flag when refills are needed
• Schedule veterinary and grooming appointments as needed

Deep Cleaning & Special Projects

• Occasional deep cleans of the refrigerator, freezer, and oven (not covered by current cleaners)
• Refresh and organize high-traffic zones: garage, living/dining room, entryway
• Seasonal gear rotation and organizational projects
• Support conversion of a newly available room into a functional study and guest space
• Assist with practical household projects as they arise (e.g., home irrigation setup, furniture assembly)

Vendor & Property Oversight

• Research and coordinate home repair quotes and service vendors