Senior FOIA Specialist at Central Research, Inc. – Washington, District of Columbia

Position Summary:

Central Research Inc. (CRI) partners with federal agencies to deliver mission-critical information management and compliance services. We value integrity, service, and excellence, and foster a collaborative, learning-focused environment.

The Senior FOIA Specialist performs advanced FOIA processing in support of our government client and provides enterprise-wide FOIA operations. You will work with minimal oversight to process requests across all multi-track categories (Simple, Complex, Expedited) and Backlogged requests in the eFOIA system. Provides subject-matter guidance, mentors staff, conducts complex reviews, applies exemptions with expert accuracy, supports QA and DOJ reporting, and ensures timely, compliant releases.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform advanced review and processing of FOIA requests, redactions, and releases with minimal supervision.
• Apply FOIA exemptions and DOJ guidance accurately and consistently.
• Conduct complex legal and privacy analyses to identify potential harm and ensure compliant disclosures.
• Mentor, train, and provide subject-matter guidance to junior and mid-level FOIA staff, correct processing discrepancies.
• Support quality assurance and peer review activities; ensure consistency across releases.
• Prepare and submit DOJ/agency-required FOIA reports per established procedures.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and contribute to FOIA program effectiveness.
• Serve as a role model by upholding VA values and high-performance standards.

Minimum Requirements (Education & Experience):

• US Citizenship required
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Additional FOIA experience may substitute for formal FOIA training or degree requirements.
• Three (3) years of successful FOIA request processing within the last 48 months.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database tools.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Federal Public Trust (5c) security clearance (financial/credit history and background will be reviewed):
  • Not in default on federal student loans
  • Demonstrated financial responsibility
  • No felony convictions within the past 7 years
  • Misdemeanor convictions within the past 7 years may impact eligibility
  • No non-medical collections totaling $7,500 or more.

Preferred Requirements (Education & Experience):

• FOIA related training preferred

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Meets or exceeds all Journeyman FOIA Contractor KSAs.
• Minimum three (3) years of FOIA request processing experience within the last 48 months.
• Expert application of FOIA exemptions, DOJ guidance, and FOIA statutes.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, and guide staff to correct processing discrepancies.
• Strong analytical, legal-review, and written/verbal communication skills; emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
• Ability to perform thorough reviews and identify potential harm to ensure accurate, compliant releases.
• Comprehensive knowledge of DOJ reporting requirements and submission procedures.
• Promotes and models VA values and high standards of performance.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database tools.
• Ability to conduct effective internet and records research to support FOIA search and review activities.

Other Requirements & Information:

CRI is partnering with our partner companies to successfully fill these critical positions. By submitting your application, you grant CRI permission to share your application, including your resume, with our partners, to aid them in meeting their staffing needs. Rest assured; your application will only be shared with our partners if CRI's vacancies have been filled. You may opt out of this consideration within your application.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. It is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of the position. This job description and the duties of this position are subject to change, modification, and addition as deemed necessary by the Company.

We are currently unable to consider applicants residing in California, New York, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, and the city of Philadelphia. Thank you for your understanding.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Know Your Rights Poster can be found here: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf