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

Sage Haus•Pownal, ME

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are a busy, warm, and active household in southern Maine seeking a House Manager & Family Assistant to become an integral part of our home's smooth operation. Both parents work full-time, and the late afternoons have become a pressure point. We have one school-age child who brings creativity, curiosity, and energy, and we're looking for someone who can connect with her, provide gentle structure, and help create a calm, welcoming rhythm to the afternoons. We also have two easygoing cats. Our home is organized, thoughtful, and systems-oriented, and we value clear communication and thorough onboarding. We seek someone comfortable taking ownership, noticing what needs attention, and taking satisfaction in helping a household run smoothly.

Requirements

Reliable transportation required
Maintain a smoke-free environment
Up-to-date on general vaccinations and annual flu shot
Must be authorized to work in the United States
Genuine warmth and a calm, professional presence
Comfortable being in the home while a parent is working
Knows when to engage and when to give space
Ability to move fluidly between household tasks and child support
Communicative, organized, and trustworthy
Strong executive function
Comfortable taking ownership of responsibilities and running with them independently
Proactive eye for inventory, errands, and meal prep
Anticipates needs
Ability to grow with the family long-term

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid certified, or willingness to obtain

Responsibilities

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
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.
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
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 and 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
Evening feeding for two cats
Litter box maintenance and water fountain cleaning
Maintain pet supplies
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)
Occasionally: schedule and take vehicle for maintenance
Occasionally: Fueling/cleaning/organizing vehicles
Research/coordinate repairs and quotes
Seasonal outdoor maintenance assistance: garden watering, outdoor furniture care
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