Search Jobs

The Department of Housing is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Housing and Community Development Specialist II/III.

The Department of Housing is a catalyst for increasing access to high-quality affordable housing for households earning a variety of incomes, and supporting related community development activities so that housing and robust services exist for people of all income levels and ages in San Mateo County. The Department consists of two divisions, Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo.

The San Mateo County Department of Housing is looking for smart, committed professionals to join our team. If you are passionate about helping to solve one of the most critical issues facing communities across the country, the lack of safe, decent, affordable housing for all, including those who are the most vulnerable, we’d love to learn more about you. We are looking for candidates with experience in affordable housing development and/or finance or other aspects of community

development. This is a fast-paced position with opportunities for learning new skills, working collaboratively with a dynamic team and taking the lead on projects and programs. You would be joining a diverse team that works effectively together to achieve our shared vision to ensure that people of all income levels, ages and abilities in San Mateo County have access to a place to call home.

HCD is recruiting for a Housing and Community Development Specialist II/III. Reporting to the HCD Supervisor and HCD Housing Program Manager, the Housing and Community Development Specialist II/III will engage in a variety of functions aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing throughout San Mateo County and forging partnerships to address critical housing needs. The Specialist position will have job duties with a focus on managing, as the subsidy lender, affordable housing development projects from predevelopment through permanent conversion (“Development-focus”).

The Specialist may also have the opportunity to work on activities that are more programmatic in nature and will require the Specialist to provide a variety of program support services including developing program objectives, preparing Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs), evaluating project proposals and underwriting, understanding and applying HUD and other program regulations, and providing technical assistance to and working with community groups on housing-related issues. Finally, the Specialist may also have the opportunity to work on activities that are more policy-oriented and will require the Specialist to provide a variety of policy and partnership support to the Department of Housing and its interagency and private partners, nonprofit and for-profit, to support housing initiatives.

Experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Affordable housing project management.
• Housing policy or housing program development and implementation.
• Federal or state housing programs.
• Urban planning development and community revitalization.
• Grant management.

Candidates with an advanced education degree or training in housing, housing finance, public policy, urban planning, sustainable development, or related field are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Ideal Candidate

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• An intermediate to advanced understanding of the complexities of housing development, land use, and affordable housing financing issues.
• An intermediate to advanced understanding of affordable housing finance and underwriting and/or experience in managing and oversight of one or more affordable housing projects.
• One year of progressively advanced skills and experience with affordable housing policies and programs.
• Strong program and project management skills.
• Familiarity with other federal and state housing finance programs such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).
• Knowledge of issues related to urban planning and equitable community development.
• Knowledge of programs for facilitating and subsidizing low- and moderate-income housing.
• Experience in community outreach and partnership development.
• A positive attitude and sense of humor.
• An ability to embrace change with initiative, flexibility, and enthusiasm.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: January 19-23, 2026

Civil Service Panel Interview: February 3 and/or 4, 2026