Information Access Management Professional - FOIA

EM Key Solutions Company is hiring full-time Information Access Management Professionals to support our government customer in the Washington, DC, metro area.

The Office of Information Programs and Services (A/GIS/IPS or IPS) performs systematic, comprehensive, and complex searches for information based on the entire range of document production and research requests, including those that are the subject of litigation against the Department or under appeal. IPS analyzes the content of the request to determine which information resource, i.e., corporate database, bureau, office, overseas post, etc., maintains the requested records and initiates and coordinates necessary research and retrieval of the records.

IPS administers the Department's statutory responsibilities in providing public access to information under the FOIA, Privacy Act, and E.O. 13526. It coordinates with regional and functional bureaus within the Department of State - as well as other federal agencies, the private sector, and foreign governments - to respond to public requests for records maintained within the Department as well as records maintained at U.S. diplomatic posts and missions worldwide.

Duties:

• Annually complete at least 2000 Mandatory Declassification Review requests using approved guidance and established procedures while recommending changes to guidance and procedures as necessary to comply with the letter and spirit of E.O. 13526 and related directives. This work may include special discretionary projects processed as Mandatory Declassification Review requests.
• Use software tools to redact sensitive information as required.
• Coordinate with and assist government personnel in coordinating with other offices, agencies, or governments as required to ensure compliance with all relevant statutes, international agreements, and executive orders.
• Electronically record review results; reviewer performance is tracked using approved management controls.
• Upon review completion, records shall be suitable for public release in electronic and/or hard copy format. Implement statutory and policy directives in favor of disclosure while protecting the information which could cause foreseeable harm to national security or other interests or violate statutory requirements.
• Effectively communicate with Department personnel, external points of contact, and the public regarding clarification of requests that facilitate the production and processing of responsive material.
• Generate correspondence directed to requesters, internal points of contact, other federal government agencies, and foreign governments.
• Apply expertise in foreign policy and national security issues, as well as knowledge of the functioning and organization of the Department of State and its overseas posts and missions in the application of the FOIA, Privacy Act, current Executive Orders, and other information programs.
• Diligently and accurately review and process cases in a timely manner, recognizing the significant volume of complex and sensitive records subject to review, on average, reviewing approximately 1,000 pages per month.
• Respond to high-priority, time-sensitive requests from other government agencies.
• Collaborate with staff members, including division chiefs, branch chiefs, team leaders, analysts, and Department contacts, to ensure the overall effort promotes the best interests of IPS and the Department.
• Develop and maintain proficiency in the use of guidance and reference material, both substantive and procedural.
• As part of a team effort, ensure that all paperwork and entries into the case tracking system are accurate, complete, and conform to the Department's standards of quality.
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings to resolve operational problems and to establish and modify reviewer procedures.
• Possess practical knowledge of Microsoft Office and maintain computer literacy and proficiency in the case management and redaction software system utilized by the Department.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the areas of Political Science, Foreign Affairs, International Affairs/Relations, History, Law, or related fields of study, (with experience working in and/or demonstrated expertise in foreign affairs or national security highly preferred).

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in foreign policy, diplomacy, foreign aid, or national security is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of EO 13526, the FOIA, the Privacy Act, and other information access programs.
• Experience working on FOIA appeals and/or FOIA litigation cases is highly desirable, including work on declarations, Vaughn indices, and preparing documents for FOIA litigation filings.
• Key qualities for this position include strong analytical skills; knowledge of all 9 FOIA exemptions, with prior withholding experience under Exemptions 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7; and outstanding attention to detail. Previous experience assisting with Department FOIA reporting and other metrics is a plus.
• Must have a minimum Interim Secret clearance to start, clearance will be upgraded to Top Secret

Relationships are key to E.M. Key Solutions! We adopt a customer-centric approach and proven management processes for every project we undertake. EMKS focuses on offering our clients the solutions they need to succeed throughout the project management lifecycle at the most competitive rates through sound leadership and management principles.

E.M. Key Solutions Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to hiring and retaining qualified and talented individuals, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Our strategy and philosophy are to inspire, energize, and empower employees. We use E-Verify to validate employees' ability to work legally in the United States.