Position Summary:

Central Research is actively seeking an experienced Senior Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Analyst to work in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Provide FOIA and Privacy Act (PA) review and processing of pending, complex FOIA cases
• Scan FOIA support documents related to cases assigned into the FOIA database
• Prepare documentation for, and draft responses to, FOIA and PA requests, coordinating proposed disclosures of information for several entities within the agency
• Process submitter notices associated with specific FOIA cases
• Provide initial analysis of submitter objections
• Redact documents in accordance with agency/entity FOIA protocols which include annotating appropriate FOIA exemptions on records
• Process draft responses to submitters of objections to release of information in records
• Generate draft response letters to requestors detailing the FOIA review and release determination
• Maintain complete and detailed case notes on all assigned cases
• Support Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) litigation efforts, in coordination with the Assistant Director of Disclosure Services OFAC, by crafting Vaughn indices, declarations, affidavits, answers to complaints, and supplemental releases
•  Create, modify and update data records in the FOIA and Submitter Notice (S/N) database, which is a locally developed application, to keep them consistent for reporting and FOIA processing purposes
• Analyze and apply FOIA provisions and make disclosure recommendations (classified, law enforcement, and sensitive)
• Redact exempt content
• Apply appropriate FOIA exemptions to redacted material
•  Determine which records require referral and/or consultation with components of DOT/interagency
• Review program records for responsiveness and suggest ability to release determinations
• Prepare records for release, including the redaction of materials to be withheld, and duplicating materials as necessary
• Ensure released materials do not contain information exempted under the applicable statutes or other non-releasable information
• Apply appropriate exemptions to documents responsive to the FOIA
• Review existing database entries, manipulate (move) the data, add data, delete in such a way as to enhance database reporting and increase the accuracy of the report functions. Current FOIA and S/N database entries that are inconsistent, incorrect and outdated
• Support necessary FOIA administrative functions such as scanning documents; transporting paper files within the building for review, and uploading files to the existing databases

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience
• Minimum of 5 years FOIA analyst experience required
• Must be able to obtain and retain a Public Trust clearance

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Expert knowledge of Freedom of Information Act and its amendments with in depth knowledge of the applicability of FOIA/PA exemptions
• Possesses FOIA case management skills including but not limited to: reviewing agency records, recommending applicable FOIA exemptions, maintaining case files, preparing written documentation, reviewing case history and Vaughn indices, applying FOIA fees, and preparing signature packages
• Knowledge of legal interpretations of the FOIA as it affects exemptions and release of documents
• Knowledge of Submitter’s Notice
• Knowledge of reporting requirements under FOIA and the OPEN Government Act
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Central Research is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Click here to view the Equal Employment Opportunity Posters.

If you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan, please call 703-382-1970. 

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact our recruiting office at (703) 382-1363. This telephone line is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a response.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.  It is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of the position.  This job description and the duties of this position are subject to change, modification and addition as deemed necessary by the Company.

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