Assistant Director of FOIA Administration - Hybrid
University of Illinois System
Urbana, IL, USA
Assistant Director of FOIA Administration - Hybrid
Vice Pres External Rel & Comm
- Remote
Sponsorship for Work authorization is not available for this position.
Posting Category:
The System Office seeks an Assistant Director of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Administration. Under the direction of the Associate Director of FOIA Administration and in collaboration with other FOIA staff, the Assistant Director supports the coordination and processing of the institution's responses to requests made under FOIA, helping ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The Assistant Director of FOIA Administration also supports the Associate Director of FOIA Administration in reviewing draft responses prepared by FOIA coordinators to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to FOIA standards. This position provides leadership and direction to FOIA staff, including FOIA Coordinators, and provides guidance to FOIA processing staff within the System FOIA office. Additionally, as a System Office role, this position also collaborates closely with FOIA offices and other units across all three universities. Lastly, this position serves as the backup liaison to the Office of University Counsel.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist the Associate Director in managing FOIA requests submitted to the University pursuant to the Act.
- Support the submission, documentation, and cataloging of FOIA requests and responses.
- Help facilitate timely FOIA responses and required reporting.
- Process complex and sensitive FOIA requests, research potential FOIA exemptions or considerations, and draft response materials for review.
- Provide day‑to‑day guidance and support to FOIA‑processing staff within External Relations and Communications and across other offices.
- Assist in coordinating assignments, monitoring workflows, assisting with coordinator assignments, and ensuring adherence to FOIA deadlines.
- Help deliver training for new and existing FOIA coordinators and staff.
- Review responsive documents and draft responses prepared by FOIA coordinators for accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
- Identify issues or trends and elevate them to the Associate Director and other leadership as appropriate.
- Assist in assessing when FOIA requests may be burdensome and help develop strategies to meet statutory deadlines.
- Support the preparation of research and draft correspondence with the Illinois Public Access Counselor (PAC) and serve as the backup liaison when the Associate Director is unavailable.
- Assist FOIA staff and university partners in preparing materials and responses for PAC inquiries and follow‑up questions.
- Collaborate with ERC FOIA staff, System offices, and university-based FOIA responders to help ensure consistent practices and coordinated responses.
- Help identify appropriate offices for records searches and facilitate communication as needed.
- Assist the Associate Director in coordinating with the Office of University Counsel on legal issues related to FOIA processing.
- Support collaboration with other System Offices on matters involving confidential investigations or complex records reviews.
- Assist with administrative or programmatic tasks.
- Respond to general public inquiries related to FOIA processes.
- Assist in developing reports and summaries of FOIA activity for the University of Illinois System.
- Support FOIA-related presentations, training sessions, and educational outreach.
- Maintain awareness of FOIA trends and compliance updates; summarize relevant developments for FOIA team members.
- Participate in System, university, and External Relations and Communications committees or teams as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned to an Assistant Director of FOIA Administration.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in business, legal studies, or a related field.
- At least 4 (four) years of work experience related to the review, analysis, and/or interpretation of FOIA and any other related laws or acts, acquired in a legal government, business, or academic environment.
Preferred:
- Although this position is not engaged in the practice of law on behalf of the System or its universities, it will be required to work with System legal counsel in the interpretation of the law as it relates to the Act, FOIA decisions, and responses.
- Knowledgeable about the state of Illinois regulations and guidelines established by the Freedom of Information Act
- Work experience in a higher education institution, and related work experience in an Illinois public body subject to FOIA or other regulatory compliance.
- A minimum of at least four years of work experience related to the review, analysis, and/or interpretation of FOIA and any other related laws or acts, acquired in a legal government, business, or academic environment.
- Juris Doctor (JD) Degree
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- Ability to review, analyze, and interpret FOIA and/or governmental regulations.
- Mentoring experience.
- Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills to produce accurate, detail-oriented work while meeting stringent deadlines.
- Ability to review potential responsive materials quickly and thoroughly.
- Excellent problem-solving skills that require the ability to identify problems, gather data, establish facts, and present valid conclusions in response to problems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to develop good-working relationships.
- Ability to work independently and use independent judgment.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion. Confidentiality is essential.
- Proficiency required with Microsoft computer programs (including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and Internet Explorer), Adobe Acrobat, FOIA software, and other project management programs.
- Commitment to and demonstrated ability to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of processes through organization, new processing strategies, the use of technology, and other means as they emerge.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position. System Office jobs such as this one are not eligible for the Referral Program.
The budgeted salary range for the position is $80,000.00 - 85,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 6/7/2026. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
System HR Talent contact: Bree Smith at cbsmith@uillinois.edu is available for further information on this specific search.
System Human Resource Services
(217) 333-2600
erhr@uillinois.edu
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at 217-333-2600, or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 9000984
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Urbana
LinkedIn Code: #LI-BS1
#LI-BS1