Visiting FOIA Coordinator (Hybrid)

University of Illinois System•Chicago, IL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Visiting FOIA Coordinator coordinates and manages projects administered by External Relations and Communications, with a focus on monitoring and completing requests submitted to the University under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The position processes FOIA requests, analyzes data—including FOIA-responsive records—and provides records support to the Associate Director and Assistant Director of FOIA Administration. It is based in Chicago and is mostly remote, with department team meetings several times a year. The coordinator serves on the FOIA processing team under the direction of the Associate Director of FOIA Administration. The role also supports data needs across a multi-location operation involving staff at three universities and in System Offices, explores FOIA best-practice collaboration with other Illinois public universities, and may serve on committees or teams as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, legal studies, or a related field.
At least four years of professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, legal work, or a related discipline.
Ability to review, analyze, and interpret FOIA documents and/or governmental regulations.
Problem-solving skills, including identifying problems, gathering data, establishing facts, and presenting valid conclusions.
Analytical skills using a variety of software.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including writing and editing across news, narrative, editorial, and executive formats.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop good working relationships.
Ability to work independently and as a team member, exercise independent judgment, and use good judgment and discretion.
Excellent organization and multitasking skills, with accuracy and attention to detail while meeting stringent deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat; aptitude and interest in learning new software.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Illinois FOIA regulations and guidelines.
Experience working in a higher education institution.
Related experience in an Illinois public body subject to FOIA or other regulatory compliance.
Experience in media relations, including proactive pitching and journalist relationship management.
Digital literacy and familiarity with content management systems, media monitoring tools, and analytics platforms.
Working knowledge of AI-assisted communications tools and ability to apply them responsibly and effectively.
A track record of securing media placements in regional, state, or national outlets.

Responsibilities

Coordinate FOIA request processing under the direction of the Associate Director of FOIA Administration.
Set priorities for assigned requests to ensure prompt compliance with University processes and the law.
Identify offices with responsive documents and notify appropriate staff of requests and response timelines.
Process responsive documents, mark redactions, and prepare response letters for review by the Associate Director.
Confirm due dates and ensure requests are fulfilled on time.
Hold regular check-ins with other coordinators about workload, processes, and tools to promote consistency in FOIA responses.
Consult with legal counsel, in consultation with the Associate Director, on materials responsive to assigned requests.
Support FOIA data needs by entering assigned data, ensuring data integrity, producing reports, automating reports and graphics, and researching data tracking and manipulation solutions.
Recommend improved, cost-efficient data tracking and reporting options.
Explore and implement collaboration on FOIA best practices with other public universities in Illinois.
Serve on system, university, and/or External Relations and Communications committees or teams as assigned.
Perform other duties appropriate to the FOIA Coordinator position.