Public Information Specialist

Closing Date
07/22/2026

Type of Position
Administrative Strategy

Workstudy Position
No

Job Type
Regular

Work Shift
Sponsorship Available
No

Institution Name
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Department
FOI Assistant

Summary of Job Duties
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.

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.

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.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Criminal Background Check

Sex Offender Registry

Equal Opportunity Statement
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 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 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.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu): Request an Accommodation.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS.

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