FOIA Support Specialist

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Office of Strategic Communications is seeking a qualified FOIA Support Specialist who will be responsible for managing, coordinating and processing all FOIA requests received by the City of Richmond. This role will ensure the City's compliance with the FOIA and related laws and regulations. You will be the primary point of contact for requests for information under the FOIA and will be responsible for ensuring that the City meets its legal obligations to provide timely and accurate responses.

Requirements

Strong understanding of FOIA laws and regulations
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Knowledge of records management and archival best practices in a government agency
Superior written and verbal communication skills
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity
Proficiency in using document management and tracking systems
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to provide exceptional customer service
Experience working in an agile environment that includes collaboration with both internal and external partners
Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Information Management, Communications, Political Science, Library Science or equivalent experience in related fields in lieu of degree.
Minimum of 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.
Experience in a governmental or public sector environment is highly desirable.
Understanding of and familiarity with FOIA and its requirements.
Some familiarity with related legal requirements regarding records disclosure.

Responsibilities

Responsible for receiving and processing FOIA requests from the public and other organizations.
Ensuring that all necessary information is provided and that the request is properly documented and tracked.
Review each FOIA request to determine if the requested information is subject to FOIA, whether the request is sufficiently specific to permit the identification of the requested records, and whether there are any exemptions or exclusions that apply.
Responsible for coordinating with other departments or agencies within the organization to gather the requested information and ensure that it is properly redacted and reviewed for any sensitive or confidential information.
Prepare and issue responses to FOIA requests in a timely and accurate manner, ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
Maintain records and documentation related to FOIA requests and responses, ensuring that all records are properly categorized, stored, and made available to the public as required by law.
Ensure all FOIA requests are handled in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
Stay updated on changes to FOIA regulations and case law.
Provide guidance and training to staff on FOIA compliance and best practices.
Manage appeals and disputes related to FOIA requests, coordinating with legal counsel as needed and working to resolve disputes in a timely and efficient manner.
Ensure accuracy and transparency in responding to FOIA requests.
Maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality of records as dictated by law.
Communicate with leadership and present information understandably.
Work closely with the FOIA Manager to create standard operating procedures and internal workflows.
Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.
Implement and manage FOIA tracking and management systems.