FOIA & Governance Officer

Title: FOIA & Governance Officer

Application Review Date: 06/05/2026

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

This position serves as the University’s designated authority for the administration of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and as a central leader in institutional governance, policy development, and legal coordination within the Office of the President.

Operating at a highly confidential and strategic level, the role oversees the full lifecycle of FOIA compliance, coordinates institutional engagement with University Counsel, and leads the development, interpretation, and alignment of University policies.

This role provides critical support to Legal Counsel in preparing, reviewing, and finalizing various documents, including legal documents from draft to final copy. The incumbent will provide a wide range of support to the Legal Counsel in both day-to-day activities and special projects including managing subpoena and discovery requests and must handle highly sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality.

The position functions as a key integrator across divisions, ensuring consistency, mitigating risk, and supporting executive-level decision-making through effective management of complex, sensitive institutional matters.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Higher Education, Law, Business, or related field
• Relevant experience in FOIA/public records, governance, compliance, or policy development
• Working knowledge of the FOIA and its practical application, including response procedures, exemptions, deadlines, and coordination with legal counsel to ensure compliance
• Strong knowledge of regulatory environments
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and complex information with discretion
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying policies or regulatory frameworks
• Strong independent judgment and decision-making capability

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (JD, MPA, Ed.D., or related field)
• Experience in higher education or public sector
• Experience working in partnership with legal counsel, drafting legal documents, or performing legal research and analysis may be given preference
• Policy development and training experience

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employment Conditions: 

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required:  Yes

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty

Normal Work Schedule: 

Employee Classification: 

Department: President, Office of the

Salary: $95,580 - $130,000

Department Contact Name: Ryan Bowyer

Department Contact Phone: 540-831-2512

Department Contact Email: jrbowyer@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process, please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.