Senior FOIA Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Manage Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), FOIA Appeals, and Privacy Act requests for the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.

• Evaluate and process incoming requests, determining the appropriate course of action.

• Record requests and correspondence in FOIA Xpress and FSA tracking systems.

• Collaborate with Department program offices to gather relevant records and resolve request-related issues.

• Liaise with requesters regarding the scope, costs, identity verification, and other processing aspects.

• Monitor cases and fulfill necessary actions within established statutory, regulatory, and Department timelines.

• Assess responsive records and determine the appropriate handling under FOIA and Privacy Act stipulations.

• Implement redactions utilizing extensive knowledge of the nine FOIA exemptions.

• Manage intricate requests and make decisions regarding disclosures.

• Draft interim and final response letters and memoranda.

• Apply relevant case law, Department policies, regulations, procedures, and guidelines.

• Process FOIA Appeals, reviewing case records and previous decisions while assisting in resolution.

• Maintain thorough documentation of cases, correspondence, request data, status updates, and appeal records.

• Utilize FOIA Xpress, FSA's FOIA Integrity Management System (FIMS), and other workflow tools effectively.

• Recommend enhancements and operational strategies involving FOIA Xpress.

• Offer technical guidance and analytical support concerning FOIA and Privacy Act matters.

• Analyze data, resolve complex processing challenges, and provide informed recommendations.

• Aggregate and interpret data for reporting and management decision-making.

• Ensure compliance with federal information management and privacy regulations.

• Engage with FSA personnel, Department offices, requesters, and stakeholders.

• Keep the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and FSA FOIA management updated on progress and performance issues.

• Produce accurate, timely, and comprehensible written materials following Department formats and procedures.

• Assist with analytical reporting and other FOIA program initiatives.

• Create documents using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and similar work products.

• Maintain accessible documents, safeguard sensitive government information, perform quality assurance checks, and manage competing priorities.

• Operate independently with minimal guidance from program leadership while performing related FOIA and Privacy Act support tasks.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.

• At least 3 years of federal service or equivalent public/private sector experience in managing and/or responding to FOIA/Privacy Act requests.

• Proven expertise in utilizing and applying the major FOIA exemptions.

• Experience in processing complex FOIA requests.

• In-depth knowledge and application of FOIA and Privacy Act laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.

• Advanced proficiency with FOIA Xpress and related technologies.

• Prior experience in processing FOIA Appeals.

• Background in reviewing responsive records and applying suitable redactions.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently at a high-performance level with minimal oversight.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

• Applicants must meet Department contractor security vetting and background investigation prerequisites.

• Employment is contingent upon final Government approval and successful completion of applicable requirements.

• U.S. citizenship is required as the position supports the federal government.

• Must comply with federal drug-free workplace policies.

🏝️ Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience, ranging from $73,000 to $88,000.

• Opportunity for virtual/remote work.

• No travel obligations.

• Exempt employment classification.

• Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.