House Manager & Family Assistant (with Childcare and Meal Prep Support)

Job Title: House Manager & Family Assistant (with Childcare and Meal Prep Support)

Location: Pownal, ME 04069

Employment Type: Part-time | 25 to 30 hours per week, 25 hours guaranteed

Schedule: Monday through Friday, approximately 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with one evening per week for date night coverage, flexibility for pet or house sitting as needed

Compensation: $28 to $32 per hour, based on experience

Start Date: August 2026

Requirements

• Reliable transportation required; mileage reimbursement provided
• Maintain a smoke-free environment.
• Up-to-date on general vaccinations and annual flu shot
• CPR and First Aid certified, or willingness to obtain (preferred)
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

About Our Family

We are a busy, warm, and active household in southern Maine, and we are ready to bring on someone who can truly become part of what makes our home run well. Both parents work full-time, and between travel, office days, after-school pickups, activities, dinner, and everything in between, the late afternoon has become the pressure point of our day. We love our home, we love our family, and we are looking for someone who will too.

We have one school-age child who brings creativity, curiosity, and plenty of energy to our home. We're looking for someone who can connect with her thoughtfully, provide gentle structure when needed, and help create a calm, welcoming rhythm to the afternoons after a busy school day. We also share our home with two beloved cats who are easygoing and very much part of the household.

Our home is organized, thoughtful, and systems-oriented. We believe in clear communication, thorough onboarding, and documenting what matters so expectations are easy to understand. We're looking for someone who is comfortable taking ownership of their role, notices what needs attention, and takes satisfaction in helping a household run smoothly and well.

Who You Are / What We're Looking For

The person who will thrive in this role does not wait to be asked. You walk in, read the room, and get to work. You see that pickups need to happen and plan around them. You notice the laundry is ready to be folded and fold it. You know the daily reset sets the tone for the whole evening, and take pride in it. You also understand that the hours before pickup are some of the most important hours of the day, and use it well for meal prep, household tasks, and getting ahead of the week.

We are looking for someone who brings genuine warmth and a calm, professional presence. Someone who is comfortable being in the home while a parent is working, knows when to engage and when to give space, and can move fluidly between household tasks and child support without missing a beat. You are communicative, organized, and trustworthy. You have strong executive function and thrive in an environment where you can take full ownership of your responsibilities and run with them independently.

The ideal candidate is someone who sees date night coverage as a chance to be a steady, reliable presence for the child, who approaches inventory, errands and meal prep with a proactive eye, and who takes quiet pride in a home that feels calm, stocked, and ready. You are not looking for a role to pass the time. You are looking for a household and a family to grow with long-term, and you understand that anticipating needs is just as important as executing tasks.

Key Responsibilities

Family Support & Child Assistance

• After-school pickups and drop-offs
• Supervision and backup childcare during afternoon hours
• Weekly date night coverage, with flexibility for additional coverage when a parent travels
• Prep backpacks, clothing, and daily snacks; handle kid-related errands as needed

Household Organization & Maintenance

• Daily resets so the home feels calm and clear when the family arrives; prep home for biweekly cleaners
• Light tidying throughout the day: dishes, surfaces, vacuuming high-traffic areas
• Create and/or maintain household organization systems
• Seasonal swaps for clothing, decor, and 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.

Meal Support

• Plan and prep 3 to 4 dinners per week with a leftovers mindset (prep-style focus: marinated proteins, chopped vegetables, clear reheating instructions; full execution a welcome bonus)
• Prep school lunches and snacks 3 to 4 times per week (child requires 2 to 3 snacks daily)
• Prepare healthy snacks for the household (washed and cut fruit, etc.)
• Accommodate dietary needs: one adult follows a gluten-free diet; one adult has a crustacean and nut allergy
• Kitchen cleanup and maintenance
• Manage grocery shopping, including oversight of an online grocery account

Laundry & Linens

• Wash, fold, and organize laundry for the whole family, including linens
• Special garment care (as needed)
• Linen rotation
• Maintain a tidy and well-stocked laundry area

Inventory & Errands

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

Pet Care

• Evening feeding for two cats
• Litter box maintenance and water fountain cleaning
• Maintain pet supplies

Deep Cleaning & Special Projects

• Oversee occasional deep cleans (fridge, oven, baseboards, and similar)
• Refresh entryway, mudroom, and garage as needed
• Clean humidifiers/air purifiers
• Ongoing organizational projects in coordination with the family (toys, gear, art supplies, basement)

Vehicle Management

• Occasionally: schedule and take vehicle for maintenance
• Occasionally: Fueling/cleaning/organizing vehicles

Vendor & Property Oversight

• Research/coordinate repairs and quotes
• Seasonal outdoor maintenance assistance: garden watering, outdoor furniture care

Administrative & Personal Assistant Support

• Maintain awareness of the family calendar and household schedules
• Provide proactive reminders for upcoming events, deadlines, and appointments
• Event and appointment coordination as needed
• Receipt and budget tracking for expenses incurred in the house manager role

How to Apply

Please submit a short intro letter telling us about yourself and why this role is a great fit, an updated resume, and 3 professional references with contact information.

Please note that this role requires a background check.

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