FOIA Support Specialist

The City of Richmond is committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. Recent employee benefit enhancements include:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

About the role

The Office of Strategic Communications is seeking a qualified FOIA Support Specialist to manage, coordinate, and process all FOIA requests received by the City of Richmond. This role ensures the City's compliance with FOIA and related laws and regulations, serving as the primary point of contact for requests for information under FOIA.

The anticipated hiring range is $60,306 - $77,457.

Responsibilities

• FOIA Request Management: Receive and process FOIA requests from the public and other organizations. Ensure all necessary information is provided, and requests are properly documented and tracked.
• Conduct initial review and analysis: Review each FOIA request to determine if the requested information is subject to FOIA, whether the request is sufficiently specific, and if any exemptions or exclusions apply.
• Coordinate and manage responses: Work with other departments or agencies to gather requested information, ensuring proper redaction and review for sensitive or confidential information.
• Prepare and issue responses: Prepare and issue timely and accurate responses to FOIA requests, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain records and documentation: Keep records and documentation related to FOIA requests and responses, ensuring proper categorization, storage, and public availability as required by law.
• Compliance and Legal Adherence: 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: Handle appeals and disputes related to FOIA requests, coordinating with legal counsel as needed to resolve issues efficiently.
• Professionalism and Discernment: Ensure accuracy and transparency in responding to FOIA requests while maintaining confidentiality as dictated by law. Communicate effectively with leadership.
• Policy Development and Improvement: Collaborate 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.

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Information Management, Communications, Political Science, Library Science, or related fields (experience may substitute for 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.

Benefits

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

Pay

$60,306 - $77,457