Senior FOIA Analyst (FOIA Specialist)ROLEWe need two experienced Senior FOIA Analysts to support the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program at the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid (FSA), located in the Chief Operating Officer's Office in Washington, DC. This role provides technical subject matter expertise in the processing of FOIA and Privacy Act requests, working to reduce the number of pending requests. You will accurately enter FOIA requests into FOIA Xpress and the Department's tracking and reporting system, communicate with FSA Principal Offices and requesters, perform redactions based on expert knowledge of the nine FOIA exemptions, and prepare interim and final response letters. This is a full-time opportunity supporting a high-visibility federal compliance mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Assist with processing incoming FOIA requests using FOIA Xpress and participate in intake meetings to assess such requests.
- Provide technical support in processing FOIA requests, correctly and accurately entering requests and related correspondence into the Department's management, tracking, and reporting system.
- Perform redactions to information responding to FOIA requests using FOIA Xpress based on expert knowledge of the nine (9) FOIA exemptions.
- Prepare final response letters and memoranda for signature as appropriate.
- Provide support to the Department's FOIA Service Center regarding the processing of Privacy Act requests using FOIA Xpress.
- Recommend modified and/or new operational approaches, including use of FOIA Xpress, upon request from FSA FOIA management.
- Keep the COR and FSA FOIA management apprised of progress and any issues that arise on a daily basis.
- Process FOIA Appeals in accordance with established procedures and statutory timeframes.
REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE- FOIA & Privacy Act Compliance: Knowledge and extensive experience with FOIA legislation, policies, guidance, regulations, procedures, and administrative processing systems, including FOIA Xpress and the FOIA Integrity Management System (FIMS). Extensive experience with Privacy Compliance legislation, policies, guidance, regulations, and procedures.
- FOIA Exemptions & Appeals: Demonstrated expertise in the use and application of all major FOIA exemptions, experience processing complex FOIA requests, and experience processing FOIA Appeals.
- Analytical Ability: Ability to analyze factual information, evaluate significant factors, and solve complex problems based on statistical data.
- Software Proficiency: Mastery of Microsoft Office desktop applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) and the ability to quickly learn and utilize workflow software or other systems developed internally for FOIA request processing.
- Work Style: Self-directed and accustomed to effectively and efficiently working at a high-performance level with minimal input from program leadership; ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities.
REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the Federal service or equivalent public or private sector managing and/or responding to FOIA/Privacy Act (PA) requests.
LOCATION Onsite - 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202
CLEARANCE- U.S. citizenship is required.
CLIENT U.S. Department of Education (DOE), Federal Student Aid (FSA), Chief Operating Officer's Office
WORK HOURS- 40 hours per week
- 8 hours per day
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION Employment Classification Eligibility - W2
RELOCATION Not eligible for relocation benefits
COMPENSATION Salary or Rate: $72,000-$99,000
Benefits: Benefits package includes options for health, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401k contribution options
Other Considerations: Applicants will be subject to a background investigation. Individual's primary workstation is located in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 80% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 80% of the time.
