Countywide FOIA Officer

Manages the Fairfax County Government's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program. Provides leadership and guidance to county leadership and agencies on all matters related to FOIA. Oversees compliance to ensure timely response to FOIA requests. Supervises two staff members who provide support to the countywide FOIA program. Develops plans, policies, procedures and processes for the countywide FOIA program. Evaluates opportunities for efficiency, while ensuring compliance. Prepares communications related to FOIA. Designs, develops and delivers training on the county's policy and procedures for FOIA compliance as well as the tracking system used to manage such requests.

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Directs the efforts of county staff responsible for responding to Virginia Freedom of Information Acts requests;
• Administers, interprets, and enforces Freedom of Information Act and related state and federal laws;
• Provides guidance and recommendations to county leadership to support legal interpretation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA);
• Develops policies and procedures for the FOIA program to ensure compliance and consistency countywide;
• Monitors and provides reports to senior leadership on legislative changes from the General Assembly and incorporates them into the County's policies and procedures, as well as notifies employees and updates training to reflect those changes;
• Develops and delivers FOIA training to ensure that all employees are aware of their FOIA compliance requirements;
• Coordinates complex FOIA requests for agency records with custodians and legal counsel, as needed;
• Mediates disputes related to FOIA responses through an informal review process of the County's compliance with FOIA and other applicable laws;
• Researches complex inquiries, including making recommendations regarding approving denials or partial denials of FOIA requests;
• Administers, provides training on, and develops and implements enhancements to an enterprise wide information technology application that tracks FOIA requests;
• Prepares and makes presentations to County leaders and others as necessary.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the statutory and regulatory requirements relating to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA);
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices relating to local government compliance with VFOIA;
• Interpersonal skills to resolve complaints, maintain liaison, speak in public and gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems;
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and County statutory and regulatory provisions;
• Proficient in the use of a personal computer;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and maintain accurate records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in business management, communications, public administration, legal studies, or related field, plus five years of professional-level experience involving business operations management, public administration, management, communications, or related field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as public administration, public policy or government.
• Five or more years of experience responding to Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience developing and delivering training to large audience.
• Demonstrated ability developing solutions to complex issues including policies and procedures to address a government function.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Experience leading teams and working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office PowerPoint.