Public Information Specialist

FOI Assistant

The Public Information Specialist assists the University's Public Information Officer in receiving, collecting, reviewing, and providing responsive information to records requests made under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Reviews and processes new and supplemental FOIA inquiries from the public and is responsible for timely processing of university public records responses. Receives and/or initiates telephone calls, letters, or emails pertaining to FOIA requests, including limited clerical guidance to citizens, staff, and faculty over the phone and in person. Reviews and prepares records and digital media for FOIA and ensures responses meet all compliance requirements. Reports to the Public Information Officer with delegated liaison support to other departments. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
Applicable equivalencies may be considered on the above qualifications.
Experience and proficiency with Office 365 and Adobe Acrobat Pro
Preferred Qualifications
Two or more years of experience in responding to Freedom of Information Act requests or comparable time-sensitive communications; or three years' experience in a field that requires attention to detail, thoroughness, and fact-checking
Certification as a paralegal, legal secretary, legal researcher, regulatory compliance staff, J.D., or similar experience
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Proficient in English reading comprehension and grammar usage
Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated critical thinking skills for analyzing information and crafting accurate responses to FOIA requests
Excellent spelling, punctuation, and proofreading abilities
Additional Information:
Please upload documentation of your certification as a paralegal, legal secretary, legal researcher, regulatory compliance staff, J.D., or similar experience, if applicable.
Salary Information:
Salary starts at $43,923 plus benefits, commensurate with experience
Required Documents to Apply:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume
Optional Documents:
Proof of Veteran Status
Recruitment Contact Information:
Crystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, ce031@uark.edu
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS
Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry
The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Benefits Eligible:

Yes