Public Information Specialist

University of Arkansas • Fayetteville, AR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Information Specialist assists the University’s Public Information Officer in receiving, collecting, reviewing, and providing responsive information to records requests made under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Reviews and processes new and supplemental FOIA inquiries from the public and is responsible for timely processing of university public records responses. Receives and/or initiates telephone calls, letters, or emails pertaining to FOIA requests, including limited clerical guidance to citizens, staff, and faculty over the phone and in person. Reviews and prepares records and digital media for FOIA and ensures responses meet all compliance requirements. Reports to the Public Information Officer with delegated liaison support to other departments. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Applicable equivalencies may be considered on the above qualifications.
• Experience and proficiency with Office 365 and Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Proficient in English reading comprehension and grammar usage
• Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills for analyzing information and crafting accurate responses to FOIA requests
• Excellent spelling, punctuation, and proofreading abilities

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of experience in responding to Freedom of Information Act requests or comparable time-sensitive communications; or three years’ experience in a field that requires attention to detail, thoroughness, and fact-checking
• Certification as a paralegal, legal secretary, legal researcher, regulatory compliance staff, J.D., or similar experience

Responsibilities

• Assists the University’s Public Information Officer in receiving, collecting, reviewing, and providing responsive information to records requests made under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
• Reviews and processes new and supplemental FOIA inquiries from the public and is responsible for timely processing of university public records responses.
• Receives and/or initiates telephone calls, letters, or emails pertaining to FOIA requests, including limited clerical guidance to citizens, staff, and faculty over the phone and in person.
• Reviews and prepares records and digital media for FOIA and ensures responses meet all compliance requirements.
• Reports to the Public Information Officer with delegated liaison support to other departments.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level