FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OFFICER

Freedom Of Information Act Officer

This position is open to the public and all current city employees covered under the City's Collective Bargaining Agreement with AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME)

BARGAINING UNIT 1, 3, 4 & 5. Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.
Under general supervision, receives and responds to requests for information of public record, and court subpoenas using multiple resources and streams of data to research and locate relevant information, and speaks and writes about findings, and performs related duties as required.
Essential duties:
Responds to requests for information filed by citizens, journalists, and outside entities pursuant to the State of Illinois Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA")
Responds verbally and in writing to inquiries from the general public, business establishments, community organizations, media and governmental agencies regarding city programs, services, and business matters of public record
Researches, examines, and analyzes documents to provide responsive documents in response to FOIA requests and makes appropriate redactions of exempt information
Resolves information requests within the required timeframes and where appropriate requests extensions in writing
Assesses whether the magnitude of information requested proves burdensome in adherence with the State of Illinois Freedom of Information guidelines
Obtains necessary information from manual, computerized and archived files, and records
Responds via the internet in writing to requests for information sent electronically through the internet concerning departmental programs, services or matters of public record, as required
Oversees and participates in the mailing of responses to written requests for information
Trains and orientates clerical and administrative staff to track down information, redact exempt information from public documents, photocopy, and scan documents, as required
Prepares and maintains statistical and narrative work activity reports
Maintains and updates log of all FOIA requests
Works with the Department of Law to respond to subpoenas for documents
May review information to be posted onto the intranet and internet websites for accuracy regarding departmental programs and services, as required
May represent the department at public hearings and community meetings to explain and promote city services, programs, and upcoming events, as required
Location: Office of Public Safety Administration

Office of the General Counsel
Address: 3510 S Michigan Ave
Shift: Monday through Friday
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
This position is in the Career Service.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, English or a directly related field, plus two years research and analysis work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and, experience
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
Certification by the State of Illinois as a Freedom of Information Officer is required, within six (6) months of hire.
Note: You must provide your transcripts or diploma at time of processing, if applicable.
Selection requirements
This position requires applicants to successfully complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected. Selected Bidders will be hired in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement. Non-Bidders best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected AND Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:
Previous experience responding to FOIA requests
Previous experience with GovQA or related online databases
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
All references to political sponsorship or recommendation must be omitted from all application materials submitted for City employment. The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer. City of Chicago Brandon Johnson, Mayor
Applications for this position will be accepted from July 13, 2026, until 11:59 pm CST on July 27, 2026. No exceptions will be made.