FOIA Coordinator

Title: FOIA Coordinator

State Role Title: FOIA Coordinator

Hiring Range: $45,000 - $55,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Division of Legislative Services 

Business Unit: Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council

Location: General Assembly Bldg

Agency Website: https://dls.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Overview

The Freedom of Information Advisory Council (the Council) and its staff assists private citizens, public officials, and the media with questions about access to public records and meetings. In addition, the Council also provides FOIA training for state and local employees and officers and studies FOIA-related issues referred by the General Assembly. The Council is seeking a Coordinator to ensure the efficient administration of office operations and to provide critical support to staff attorneys. The Coordinator is responsible for managing workflow, coordinating meetings and trainings, and assisting with legislative tracking and public outreach initiatives.

Job Duties

Staffing Responsibilities
o Assemble both permanent and issue-related workgroups.
o Research relevant issues and discuss them with stakeholders.
o Create work plans for the interim.
o Provides administrative support by organizing the meetings (scheduling members, speakers, conducting the meeting).
o Stay abreast of current commission concerns.
o Track legislation during General Assembly session.
o Any additional tasks assigned.

Administrative Responsibilities
o Assist the Executive Director and staff attorneys in responding to inquiries via phone or email.
o Provide administrative support for all training presentations and offerings conducted by Council staff.
o Ability and willingness to establish constructive interpersonal relationship with other staff and persons outside of the agency.
o Maintain regular communication with those who have questions or requests.
o If applicable, returns high quality finalized or substantially completed legislative bill drafts to requestors within 30 calendar days.
Any additional tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and email management.
• Competent written or legal drafting skills.
• Ability to discern research issues/questions.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong interpersonal and time management skills.
• Highly organized and diligent.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1-2 years of experience in an office staffing or policy analysis role.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit your resume and cover letter.

Contact Information

Name: Eleni Georgiou

Email: egeorgiou@dls.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.