Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Analyst in Norfolk, Virginia at City of Norfolk

The Department of Communications & Marketing endeavors to connect the City of Norfolk and its residents, employees, and individuals who actively engage in the city's diverse activities. This department also specializes in innovative photo and video production, leveraging visual storytelling to enhance communication and create engaging narratives that strengthen the bond between the city and its community members. The department includes the City’s FOIA team which handles requests for records held by various departments in the City.

The FOIA officer ensures that the City fulfills the statutory obligations of the Freedom of Information Act. This statute sets out deadlines for fulfilling records requests and the various limits and exemptions provided under the law. The FOIA officer is responsible for tracking records requests each month, ensuring that the appropriate departments have been notified of the pending request, collecting the necessary information, redacting any information exempted or excluded under the law, writing the appropriate response, disseminating the information, and ensuring that the City of Norfolk meets its deadlines in responding to the requests.

The FOIA officer must be able to process a high volume of incoming and outgoing FOIA requests on a daily basis with precision, accuracy and against deadlines.

The successful candidate must possess the ability to juggle multiple tasks against deadlines and show strong attention to detail and thoroughness. This candidate must understand and refer to the Virginia FOIA law for appropriate responses, exemptions and deadlines, and be willing to seek help when necessary, from City legal counsel.

The FOIA officer must also demonstrate refined customer service skills to ensure requesters receive professional, courteous reception and response, as well as help in filing requests or following up on pending requests. This FOIA officer must also possess patience and unflappability to handle requesters who are dissatisfied with their response.

Required:

• Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 1-3 years of experience in FOIA processing or a related field such as government compliance or legal support.
  • Understanding of and familiarity with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its requirements.
  • Strong Microsoft office experience (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint) required.

Preferred:

• Previous experience processing FOIA requests.
• Previous experience with FOIA processing software or the ability to quickly adapt to new software.

Work Schedule:

• Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.