Visiting FOIA Coordinator; Hybrid Job Chicago area,Illinois USA,Administrative/Clerical

Visiting FOIA Coordinator (Hybrid) Vice Pres External Rel & Comm-Chicago

Coordinate and manage operations related to projects administered by External Relations and Communications to achieve established objectives and goals, including monitoring progress to ensure completion of requests submitted to the University under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); conducting data analyses on a variety of topics, including FOIA-responsive records; providing comprehensive records support to the Associate Director of FOIA Administration and Assistant Director of FOIA Administration;

and processing FOIA requests. This position is based in Chicago and is mostly remote other than department team meetings several times a year.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as a coordinator for Freedom of Information Act processing team under the direction of the Associate Director of FOIA Administration. For assigned requests, set priorities to ensure prompt compliance consistent with University processes and the law. Determine office(s) with responsive documents and notify appropriate staff of a request and response timeline. Process responsive documents, marking red actions. Prepare response letters for review by the Associate Director.

Confirm due dates and ensure all requests are fulfilled by their due dates.

Hold regular check-ins with other coordinators about workload, processes and tools to ensure consistency in FOIA responses.

In consultation with the Associate Director, consult with legal counsel on processing materials responsive to assigned FOIA requests.

Assist with the data needs of the FOIA process, a multi-location operation with staff at three universities and in System Offices. This includes: enter data as assigned by the Associate Director; ensure data integrity; produce reports upon request; automate reporting and graphics production; research data tracking and manipulation solutions, making suggestions about improved, cost-efficient tracking and reporting options.

Explore and implement collaboration of FOIA best practices with other public universities in Illinois.

Serve on system, university, and/or External Relations and Communications committees/teams as assigned.

Perform other assigned duties appropriate for the position of FOIA Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, legal studies, or a related field.

Minimum four years of professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, legal, or a related discipline.

Preferred:

Knowledgeable about the state of Illinois regulations and guidelines established by the Freedom of Information Act.

Work experience in a higher education institution, and related work experience in an Illinois public body subject to FOIA or other regulatory compliance.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Ability to review, analyze, and interpret FOIA documents and/or governmental regulations.
Excellent problem-solving skills that require the ability to identify problems, gather data, establish facts, and present valid conclusions in response to problems.
Analytical skills using a variety of software.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships.
Ability to work independently and use independent judgment and work as a team member; ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills to produce accurate, detail-oriented work while meeting stringent deadlines.
The ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
Proficiency with Microsoft computer programs (including Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat; demonstrated interest and knowledge of and aptitude for learning new…