Part-Time House Manager

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.