Overview
*Open to relocation*
An intellectually engaged male couple, their 16-year-old son, and a longtime family friend based in New York City are seeking an experienced, polished executive housekeeper/cook domestic couple to support their primary private residence. This is a full-time, live-in opportunity for a capable, intuitive couple who take pride in maintaining a refined home, supporting formal entertaining, and becoming trusted, long-term members of a busy household. The home is 6 floors and 12,000 sq feet.
The domestic couple must be full-time live-in, except during their own vacation or previously agreed-upon time off.
The home is active and dynamic, with frequent guests, formal dinners, and evolving daily needs. The principals value discretion, warmth, emotional intelligence, and flexibility. While there are quieter periods, candidates must be comfortable with irregular hours, early mornings, late evenings, and an ever-changing rhythm throughout the workweek. This role is best suited for a couple who thrive in a highly personal environment and enjoy delivering seamless, behind-the-scenes excellence.
Schedule:This is primarily a Monday–Friday role, with evening responsibilities on Sunday. On Sunday evenings, assistance is needed with taking out the garbage, unpacking the car when the family returns from weekends in the country, and feeding and walking the dog.
Start Date: ASAP
Responsibilities
The Domestic Couple will oversee the daily care, organization, and smooth operation of the NYC residence, while supporting entertaining, travel, and pet care. This is a hands-on role requiring physical stamina, sound judgment, and adaptability. A property manager is available to assist with repairs, emergencies, and transitional support as the couple becomes familiar with household operations.
Housekeeping & Organization
- Daily cleaning and upkeep of a multi-level home
- Making beds, resetting rooms, and frequent guest bedroom turnovers
- Turn-down service for the principals
- Maintaining consistently high presentation standards throughout the home
- Light household maintenance (sweeping the stoop, replacing lightbulbs, basic oversight)
- Coordinating with outside vendors for deep cleaning and laundry services
- Managing a shared household calendar and daily task flow
- Keeping household inventory fully stocked and well organized
- Floral arrangements and general home presentation
Cooking & Entertaining
- High-level private-home cooking for daily meals and formal entertaining
- Preparing meals for both intimate family settings and larger dinner parties
- Assisting with table setting and service during events
- Maintaining a pristine, well-organized kitchen
- Supporting post-event cleanup and household resets
- Refined home cooking required; no heavy catering
- Answering the door and assisting with guest flow during events
Pet Care
- Daily care for two mid-sized dogs
- Morning walk around 7:00 AM and evening walk around 9:00 PM
- Feeding and general pet care
- Dogs remain in the home during principal travel
Errands & Household Support
- Running errands (groceries, dry cleaning, household supplies)
- Maintaining household inventory
- Picking up items on short notice as requested
- Assisting with packing and preparation for travel
- Supporting ad hoc household needs as they arise
Travel Support
- Occasional assistance at the family’s Rhinebeck, NY home during large events
- Working alongside on-site staff during those periods
Note
- Workload tends to be lighter during the summer months, when the family is primarily based in Rhinebeck.
Qualifications
- Experienced domestic couple with longevity in prior private household roles
- Highly intuitive, discreet, and emotionally intelligent
- Polished, professional, and comfortable in a formal entertaining environment
- Physically fit and able-bodied (multiple floors, stairs, active days)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- At least one partner with strong cooking and kitchen management experience
- Both partners capable of full housekeeping support
- Comfortable working in a highly personal, private home
- Flexible, adaptable, and calm under changing demands
- Fluent English required
Requirements
- Ability to live on-site in provided private accommodations
- Flexibility to work early mornings, late evenings, and occasional weekends
- Comfortable with dogs and daily walking responsibilities
- Comfortable navigating stairs and performing physically demanding tasks
- Willingness to support duties outside of a rigid job description when needed
- Legally eligible to work in the U.S.
Salary and Benefits
- $200,000 combined compensation
- Private garden-level apartment suite provided, including a living room, galley kitchen, separate bedroom, and private bathroom
- Health insurance
- Food and lodging included
- 2 weeks PTO
- 3–5 sick days
- Paid holidays or holiday pay
- Long-term role with aligned time off during principal travel
- Full benefits package, including health insurance and the option of a 401(k)
