CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT – DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

CLASS SPECIFICATION:

Title: Freedom of Information Officer Level: 1322

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

Under direction of the Law Department, coordinates and manages the review and distribution of information as it relates to the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”); and performs related duties as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Conducts meetings and conferences to advise Director level staff of information dissemination requirements, policies and procedures under FOIA; reviews press document inquiries for relevance to Freedom of Information limitations and directs them to appropriate department; plans, assigns, supervises and reviews the activities of subordinate research personnel engaged in activities related to FOIA; manages and coordinates the activities of departmental liaisons charged with FOIA responsibility and complies monthly reports on their activities.

Reviews and advises departmental liaisons on complex information requests as necessary; coordinates multi-departmental responses to requests; develops implements and reviews policy guidelines; advise and assists community groups seeking information via FOIA; monitors and researches statutory case law for requirements under the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/); coordinates a record retention system to maintain requests for information in an organized fashion; serves on public and academic panels and forums to explain and interpret the Chicago Park District’s role in the Freedom of Information process. Assists in developing and delivering training to departmental liaisons.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:

Graduation from accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree, supplemented by five years of progressively responsible work experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience is required.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill:

Knowledge of (or the willingness and aptitude to learn) the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. Knowledge of the organizational structure of the Chicago Park District. Thorough knowledge of research methods and techniques. Ability to interpret and explain legislation. Refined judgement with the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines and work independently while maintaining high levels of organization. Ability to establish effective working relationships with Chicago Park District executives and supervisors, community groups, the general public. Skill in evaluating situations to resolve conflicts and/or complaints. Effective oral and written communication skills. Advanced ability with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and with combining and performing redactions of PDF documents.

Career Service: Exempt EEO: Professional FLSA: Exempt