Application Guide

How to Apply for Outreach & Engagement Specialist (Part-Time Contract)

at ADU Resource Center of San Mateo County

🏢 About ADU Resource Center of San Mateo County

The ADU Resource Center of San Mateo County is unique because it focuses specifically on increasing affordable housing through Accessory Dwelling Units, addressing a critical regional need. Working here offers the chance to contribute directly to solving California's housing crisis while collaborating with a small, mission-driven team passionate about community development.

About This Role

This Outreach & Engagement Specialist role involves developing partnership strategies to expand the Center's reach and conducting targeted outreach to local organizations, community groups, and real estate professionals. You'll directly impact housing production by increasing awareness of ADU resources and helping homeowners navigate the process of creating affordable housing units.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching potential community partners in San Mateo County, drafting and scheduling social media posts about ADU success stories, and preparing outreach emails to local real estate associations. You'd likely spend time updating the WordPress website with new resources and coordinating with the small team on upcoming educational events or materials.

🎯 Who ADU Resource Center of San Mateo County Is Looking For

  • Has 4-8 years of experience specifically in community engagement or communications within housing, real estate, or local government sectors
  • Demonstrates proven ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders including community organizations and real estate professionals
  • Shows experience managing both social media campaigns and email newsletters with measurable results
  • Is self-directed and organized enough to thrive in a remote, part-time contract role while contributing to a small team's mission

📝 Tips for Applying to ADU Resource Center of San Mateo County

1

Highlight specific experience with housing, real estate, or community development outreach in your resume - this isn't just any communications role

2

Include metrics showing how your social media or email campaigns increased engagement or audience growth in previous roles

3

Demonstrate understanding of ADUs or affordable housing challenges in the Bay Area/San Mateo County specifically

4

Show examples of partnership development with local organizations or community groups

5

Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote, part-time contract structure while staying aligned with team goals

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with community engagement in housing, real estate, or local government contexts', 'Examples of successful partnership development with organizations similar to those the Center targets', 'How your communication skills have increased awareness or participation in mission-driven initiatives', 'Your understanding of ADUs and why increasing affordable housing matters in San Mateo County']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • San Mateo County's specific ADU regulations and housing challenges
  • The Center's existing website, social media presence, and current partnerships
  • Recent news about ADU development and affordable housing debates in the Bay Area
  • Local organizations mentioned on the Center's website or that might be natural partners
Visit ADU Resource Center of San Mateo County's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building partnerships with community organizations resistant to ADU development?
2 Describe a successful social media campaign you managed and how you measured its impact
3 What strategies would you use to engage real estate professionals who may see ADUs as competition?
4 How would you tailor messaging about ADUs for different audiences (homeowners vs. community groups vs. local officials)?
5 How do you stay organized and proactive when working remotely on a part-time contract basis?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic communications experience without specific housing, real estate, or community development context
  • Focusing only on social media skills without demonstrating partnership development abilities
  • Not showing understanding of the part-time, remote contract nature of the role and how you'd manage it
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of ADUs or why this specific mission matters

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to ADU Resource Center of San Mateo County!