FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OFFICER

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) OFFICER

CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY (COPA)

Number of Positions: 2 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $66,612/year

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.

BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en AND

1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago"

2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')

3. Select your correct bargaining unit

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION

Please note, all applications with the City of Chicago close promptly at 11:59pm C.S.T. Applications for this position will be accepted from July 22, 2025 until 11:59 pm CST on August 04, 2025. No exceptions will be made.

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 Illinois Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA")
• Responds verbally and in writing to inquiries from the general public, business establishments, community organizations, media, and government agencies regarding City programs, services, and business matters of public record
• Researches, examines, and analyzes video and 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 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 across all internal departments and other city agencies to fulfill FOIA requests when necessary
• 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

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be exhaustive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class

Location: COPA

1615 W. Chicago Ave, 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60622

Days: Monday - Friday

Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Salary: $66,612/year

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

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

NOTE: Certification by the State of Illinois as a Freedom of Information Act Officer is required within 6 months of hire.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview, which will include a written exercise. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral interview and written exercise, will be selected for hire.

Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:

• Previous experience processing FOIA requests
• Previous experience performing office administration duties
• Previous customer service experience
• Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to read, write and speak any language other than English

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL

APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

Please note, all applications with the City of Chicago close promptly at 11:59pm C.S.T. Applications for this position will be accepted from July 22, 2025 until 11:59 pm CST on August 04, 2025. No exceptions will be made.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor