Personal guidance
Work with recruiters who take the time to understand your background, strengths, preferences, and career goals.
FOR CANDIDATES
Find your next role
in private service.
We connect experienced household and estate professionals with opportunities that align with their skills, experience, and career goals.
How our process works
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
How our
process works.
Follow the steps below to begin your journey with Ivy Estate Agency. Gain access to private service opportunities that align with your experience, along with guidance to help you present your best self to prospective employers.
Submit your information
Submit your resume through our Join Us form to begin the application process.
Recruiter review & interview
Our recruiters review your background and schedule an interview to learn more about you.
Complete your profile
Once approved, you’ll complete your professional profile with details that highlight your skills and experience.
Ready for placement
Once your profile is complete, you’ll be eligible to be matched with suitable household and estate opportunities.
Your first step starts with an introduction.JOIN US
KEY BENEFITS
Support along the way.
A profile that stays current
Update your availability, resume, certifications, references, and work samples in your Ivy profile as your experience grows.
Private household opportunities
Be considered for opportunities with private households, estates, and family offices that align with your experience and expectations.
Support through the process
Receive guidance, interview coordination, and feedback as our team manages introductions and client communication.
CANDIDATES
Key Roles in Domestic Staffing
At Ivy Estate Agency, we represent candidates who bring professionalism, discretion, and excellence to private service. Whether you’re an experienced estate manager, housekeeper, chef, or personal assistant, we connect you with households that value your skills and commitment.
Our team understands the standards and expectations of working in private homes, and we take pride in representing individuals who share our dedication to integrity, reliability, and attention to detail. Each placement is carefully matched to ensure your expertise and personality align seamlessly with the household’s needs creating long-term, rewarding opportunities within distinguished residences.
Salary and hourly ranges are general guides. Compensation varies by location, experience, responsibilities, household size and staffing, schedule, and travel requirements. Specialized skills, broader duties or more demanding schedules may command higher pay. Actual offers may fall outside these ranges and may include overtime pay, bonuses and benefits. We tailor our guidance to each household and local market.
Explore roles
Management Roles
CompensationThe Director of Residences leads the operation of a family’s residential portfolio, usually through estate managers, house managers and property teams. Their focus is the homes as a whole: consistent service, coordinated resources and long-term property planning across locations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set portfolio budgets and review spending with property managers.
- Recruit and develop residential leaders and establish service standards.
- Prioritize major renovations, construction and capital improvements.
- Coordinate seasonal transitions and readiness for family stays, guests and events.
The Chief of Staff works directly with the principal to oversee their personal and household priorities. Depending on the role, this may also include business or philanthropic projects. They coordinate household leadership, assistants and outside advisers around the principal’s wider agenda. The scope of their authority depends on the family’s structure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare decision briefs and follow through on the principal’s decisions.
- Set deadlines and resolve competing priorities across teams.
- Lead special projects and coordinate complex travel or event plans.
- Keep the principal informed of progress, risks and matters requiring approval.
The Estate Manager oversees a large estate or several homes, with direct responsibility for household and property operations. The role combines staff leadership and financial oversight with close coordination of maintenance, grounds and property projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Hire and train staff, with clear household procedures.
- Review vendor proposals, contracts and operating expenses.
- Manage construction and renovation projects, including contractors and timelines.
- Plan staffing and property readiness for family stays, guests and events.
The House Manager leads the day-to-day running of a residence, with a focus on household routines, service and the family’s immediate needs. They work closely with staff and vendors to keep the home organized, well supplied and ready for family and guests.
Key Responsibilities:
- Organize staff schedules and daily service priorities.
- Track household supplies, purchases and family preferences.
- Arrange routine maintenance and follow up on repairs.
- Coordinate guest visits, dinner parties and household events.
A Domestic Couple works as a team to provide comprehensive support for a private household or estate. Together, they oversee the day-to-day care of the residence, helping ensure the property is well maintained and the household runs smoothly.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily household operations, including cleaning, laundry, and organization
- Provide meal preparation, cooking, and kitchen support as needed
- Perform handyman, maintenance, and groundskeeping tasks
- Assist with childcare, pet care, and guest services when required
- Manage vendors, errands, and household supplies
Administrative Support
CompensationA Personal Assistant supports the private life of an individual or family, providing continuity as their plans and needs change. Their focus is personal service and coordination, working with household staff and outside providers to keep everyday arrangements running smoothly.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage personal calendars, appointments and reservations.
- Arrange family travel and transportation.
- Handle errands, purchases, gifting and personal expenses.
- Coordinate family and guest arrangements and private events.
An Executive Assistant supports the principal’s professional commitments and private-office administration. They manage access, information and follow-through across business contacts and advisers, helping the principal stay prepared and focused. Private roles may also include selected personal matters.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prioritize professional calendars and coordinate meetings.
- Prepare correspondence, briefing materials and follow-up.
- Arrange business travel and reconcile expenses.
- Coordinate advisers, office projects and business events.
Household Operations
CompensationThe Private Chef provides personalized culinary services for a household, preparing meals tailored to the principals tastes, dietary preferences, and lifestyle. They manage all aspects of the kitchen, including menu planning, ingredient sourcing, daily meal preparation, and special events.
Candidates seeking specialized private chef opportunities can also explore placements through Ivy Chef Agency.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create customized menus based on family preferences, dietary needs, and seasonal ingredients
- Shop for, source, and maintain the highest quality ingredients and pantry items
- Prepare daily meals and cater to special events or formal entertaining within the household
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards
- Manage vendor relationships, including local purveyors, farmers, and specialty suppliers
The Executive Housekeeper leads the housekeeping team to ensure every area of the residence is meticulously maintained. They set standards and oversee consistency across all tasks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise and train housekeepers
- Create cleaning schedules and procedures
- Maintain inventory of supplies and household goods
The Housekeeper maintains the cleanliness, organization, and presentation of the home. They uphold the family’s standards of comfort and order.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform daily cleaning and organization throughout the residence
- Provide laundry and wardrobe care
- Complete seasonal and deep-cleaning projects
The Laundress provides specialized care for clothing, linens, and fine fabrics, ensuring the family’s wardrobe and textiles are impeccably maintained.
Key Responsibilities:
- Wash, press, and steam garments and linens
- Handle delicate fabrics and couture pieces
- Organize closets and seasonal wardrobes
The Houseman provides hands-on support throughout the household, ensuring the property is well maintained, organized, and always prepared for family and guest use.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with indoor and outdoor cleaning, organization, and upkeep
- Provide support for household events and entertaining
- Perform light handyman tasks and basic maintenance
- Provide flexible support across a wide range of household needs
Service & Guest Experience
CompensationThe Butler delivers refined and personalized service with attention to detail and discretion. They manage household presentation, formal dining, and guest experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee table service, events, and entertaining
- Maintain silver, china, crystal, and other fine household items
- Provide direct service to the principal and guests
Transportation & Security
CompensationThe Chauffeur ensures discreet, safe, and reliable transportation for the principal and family members.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive principals and guests to appointments and events
- Maintain vehicle cleanliness, fuel, service records, and maintenance
- Assist with luggage, errands, airport transfers, and travel logistics
Security staff safeguard the estate and family with discretion and professionalism.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor property access and surveillance systems
- Coordinate with external security services as needed
- Ensure safety during travel and events