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This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/11991794 FOIA Officer and Communications Specialist

Strategic Communications and Marketing

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a world-class institution known for everything from Nobel Prize-winning theories to biomedical innovations to the birthplace of special education and accessibility standards. As a public, land-grant university, we are responsible for supporting the public\'s access to information about the business and operation of the university.

We\'re looking for a talented, versatile professional to join the Freedom of Information Act response team. This position will work with colleagues across the university, as well as in the System and at sister universities to respond to open records requests in a thorough and timely manner.

Job Summary

As a member of Strategic Communications and Marketing, this position is acts as the primary point of contact for FOIA requests for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, working closely with FOIA officers within the University of Illinois System to ensure best practices and alignment. Duties include coordinating document collection and retrieval for assigned FOIA requests, reviewing, processing and redacting responsive documents, as well as ensuring compliance with FOIA-related timelines and confidentiality requirements and records. An important part of this role will also include educating faculty and staff on FOIA rules, policies and practices.

Duties & Responsibilities

FOIA request management

• Coordinate document collection and retrieval to comply promptly with assigned FOIA requests for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
• Review and process responsive documents, mark redactions and prepare response letters and other notices to requestors.
• File and post FOIA records and communication according to office procedures.
• Ensure compliance with FOIA-related timelines and university confidentiality requirements as pertains to records.
• Assist with data collection and verification related to FOIA processing.
• Work closely with FOIA officers within the University of Illinois System to ensure best practices and alignment.
• Protect the reputation of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, while ensuring compliance with all requirements.

Proactive FOIA education

• Act as campus expert on FOIA policies, processes and best practices.
• Answer questions and address concerns with individuals related or involved in FOIA requests.
• Conduct regular FOIA-related trainings for faculty and staff at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Communications

• Assist with communications and writing projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media
• Note: Master\'s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.

*Preferred Qualifications*

• Three years of professional business or office experience, ideally in a legal, government or communications setting.
• Experience with project and records management programs, systems and processes.
• Experience in a higher education environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proven effectiveness and ability to use independent and sound judgement in evaluating information and the ability to communicate effectively with university staf from varying backgrounds and departments while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Proven effectiveness and ability to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner with competing deadliness and to reassess priorities daily.

Ability to manage, track and plan complex projects and initiatives that support multiple goals.

Ability to review, analyze and interpret documents for responsiveness and to understand and apply governmental regulations to documents and processes.

Ability to take direction and handle assigned work independently following office protocols, with minimum instruction, and within the designated timeframe. Collaborative (team of teams strength) approach to the work environment.

Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills to produce accurate, detail-oriented work while meeting stringent deadlines and project specifications.

Ability to respond to many requests for information and ability to identify questions or issues that should be escalated within the office.

Excellent problem-solving skills that require the ability to identify problems, gather data, establish facts, and present valid conclusions in response to problems. Ability to employ research and metrics