The posting
Job Title: Part-Time House Manager
Location: Johnston, Iowa 50131
Employment Type: Part-Time, 15–20 hours per week
Schedule: Consistent weekly schedule, approximately 3 days per week
- Daytime hours with longer blocks of time preferred
- Flexible scheduling Monday through Thursday based on the needs of the household
- Some flexibility during family travel periods for occasional home check-ins and pet care
Compensation: $25–$30 per hour, based on experience
Start Date: ASAP
Requirements
- Maintain a smoke-free environment.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
- Reliable personal transportation with willingness to run local errands; mileage reimbursement provided.
- Up to date on recommended vaccinations in line with American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines (including flu, Tdap, and COVID-19), subject to applicable legal accommodations.
- CPR and First Aid certified, or willing to obtain certification prior to start.
- Fragrance-light presence preferred (not fragrance-free; sensitivity to strong scents in the home).
About Our Family
We’re a warm, busy family that values our home, our routines, and the little things that make everyday life feel organized and enjoyable. With two working parents, a young child, and two cats, our days are full — and we’re looking for someone who can become a trusted part of the team that helps everything run smoothly.
Right now, the biggest challenge is keeping up with all of the things that make a home function well. Laundry, meal preparation, errands, household resets, pet care, and the ongoing projects that come with maintaining a home often compete for attention after already full workdays. We’re looking for someone who can step in, bring structure, and take ownership of the details that tend to pile up.
This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys creating order, solving problems, and making a meaningful impact behind the scenes. We’re looking for a dependable partner who notices what needs to be done, takes initiative, and genuinely enjoys helping a household operate at its best. This is a long-term opportunity for someone who values trust, consistency, and becoming an important part of a family’s rhythm.
Who You Are / What We're Looking For
- Operate independently once systems are learned — take initiative without waiting to be directed.
- Anticipate what's needed before being asked and follow through without reminders.
- Approach problems with a solutions mindset, not a check-in mindset.
- Bring strong organizational instincts and a genuine sense of ownership over the household.
- Communicate clearly and proactively when something comes up, without over-communicating the small stuff.
- Move through the home with care and respect for the family's space and privacy.
- Feel comfortable caring for pets and naturally include them as part of the household rhythm, including routine tasks like feeding, litter care, and keeping supplies stocked.
- Enjoy being in the kitchen and feel comfortable preparing meals from scratch.
- Feel at ease around a young child; occasional backup childcare support may arise.
- Thrive in a role that blends big-picture thinking with hands-on execution.
- Commit fully — we value loyalty and are looking for someone who sees this as a long-term partnership.
Key Responsibilities
Meal Support
- Prepare at least three dinners per week, with meals ready to heat and serve or enjoy immediately, and enough portions planned for leftovers.
- Prep meal components ahead of cook time: marinating proteins, chopping vegetables, organizing ingredients.
- Handle grocery shopping, including pickup orders and in-person Costco and bulk store runs.
- Keep the kitchen clean and functional after meal prep sessions.
Laundry & Linens
- Wash, fold, and organize all family laundry, including sheets and bedding.
- Perform light ironing and steaming as needed.
- Manage dry cleaning and tailoring drop-offs and pickups.
- Keep the laundry area stocked and tidy at all times.
- Rotate and maintain linens, ensuring clean bedding is always ready.
Household Organization & Maintenance
- Perform daily resets throughout the home: tidying surfaces, light dishes, and vacuuming high-traffic areas.
- Prep the home ahead of monthly cleaners.
- Create and maintain household organization systems that are easy to sustain.
- Handle packing and unpacking for family travel; prioritize unpacking and getting laundry started upon return.
- Water and tend to indoor plants on a weekly or biweekly rotation.
- Manage guest prep: ensure clean bedding, stocked towels, and restocked dispensers throughout the home.
- Handle batteries, light bulbs, and smoke detector replacements as needed.
- Clean and maintain two household humidifier units.
- Coordinate seasonal tasks such as putting away holiday décor and light storage swaps.
Inventory & Errands
- Restock pantry, fridge, and household supplies on a regular basis.
- Manage running supply lists and collaborate on household orders across Amazon, Target, and Costco.
- Bring in mail and packages; place items where they belong rather than leaving them at the door.
- Break down boxes and handle recycling.
- Handle returns, dry cleaning, and other routine errand runs.
- Occasionally save receipts for business-related errand purchases.
Deep Cleaning & Special Projects
- Tackle occasional deep cleans: fridge, pantry, oven, and baseboards.
- Manage garage, mudroom, and entryway organization resets on an as-needed basis.
- Maintain a running list of home improvement needs and coordinate contractor quotes for budgeting purposes.
- Manage outdoor spaces: bring in patio cushions, wash cushion covers, and handle post-storm cleanup.
Vendor & Property Oversight
- Serve as the on-site point of contact for cleaners, contractors, and tradespeople when the family is unavailable.
- Research, vet, and coordinate repair quotes; no need to perform the work directly.
- Monitor ongoing home maintenance needs and flag anything requiring attention.
Family Support
- Provide light supervision or backup childcare on an occasional, as-needed basis.
- Check in on the home and care for the cats during family travel weekends.
Vehicle Upkeep
- Organize and reset family vehicle interiors after use.
- Fuel family vehicles ahead of planned trips.
How to Apply
Please ensure to include the following when applying:
- A brief letter explaining why you’d be a great fit for this role
- Your updated resume
- At least 3 professional references with contact information
This role requires a background check.
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