The Freedom of Information Act Officer (FOIA Officer) is officially responsible for receiving and responding to requests for public records, as required under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA). As the university’s subject matter expert as it relates to records requests under the VFOIA, the FOIA Officer is responsible for leading and managing the institution’s response for records requests and providing a final quality assurance review of all responses to FOIA requests.

This position is the primary point of contact for all VFOIA requests, determines which department and/or college/school supplies the records based on the request, communicates with appropriate university employees on the specific request, reviews and redacts documents as needed, interacts with the requestor, meets timelines and other procedural requirements of VFOIA, and ensures that invoices are prepared and payments processed timely. This position requires the ability to conduct, analyze, and present research findings, as well as draft policies, reports, and correspondence. Additionally, the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with a working style that is collegial and collaborative is required.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff for Communications and Marketing, this position will engage with individuals across the university and will provide advice and guidance on FOIA matters. This position may represent the Vice President of Communications and Marketing at specified meetings related to Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and the Privacy Act as they relate to the release of documents and to university policy. This position will also prepare and present training and education presentations and/or material to educate administrative colleagues across the university on VFOIA requirements and processes.