Open Records Officer

Manage and respond to all public records requests submitted to the Institute, as well as provide information, assistance and services to the public as it relates to the Institute business and associated records/ documents.This position will interact on a consistent basis with: external and internal requestors, communications executive leadership, and GT legal staff. This position typically will advise and counsel: communications executive leadership, various department heads and school chairs, and open records staff. This position will supervise: open records staff.

• Communicate with requestors through all phases of the open records request process, including clarification of requests, fee estimates, denial explanations, exemptions, and redactions, while adhering to statutory deadlines. Maintain detailed and accurate records of all communications. Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion and sound decision-making when handling sensitive documents.
• Develop and implement procedures, guidelines, and controls for storage, retrieval, tracking, and maintaining accurate and detailed records.
• Utilize various databases to research and track all Open Records Requests. Ensure all ORAs are properly stored following Institute retention policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Research and identify location(s) of potentially responsive records and collaborate with departments on production of such records. Identify timelines for production. Gather and coordinate assembly of records in instances of multi-department responses. Research and analyze responsive records for potential exemptions. Work with GT's legal staff in reviewing such exemptions. Redact exempt information from responsive records.
• Gather necessary information to calculate actual costs to respond to requests; determine if any reductions or fee waivers are appropriate.
• Regularly maintain and update a web page dedicated to public records requests within the Communications website by working with Vice President of Communications.
• Act as the lead resource for questions about the ORA process for university personnel and the public. Keep abreast of changes in Public Records law. Recommend process and policy changes to executive leadership of GT's communications and legal departments as the subject matter expert for ORA requests to ensure best practices and work efficiency.
• Prepare and submit to the President semi-annual reports enumerating public records requests received, the Institute's responses and other pertinent public records data.
• Represent the office of Institute Communications to create, build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse colleagues throughout the Institute.

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Experience
Three to five years job related experience

Paralegal certificate or admission to the barWorking knowledge and/or experience with state or federal public records laws. Additional preference given to applicants with working knowledge and/or experience with Georgia Open Records law. Experience interpreting and applying federal or state laws, rules, and regulations. Experience working in higher education, a public agency environment or the media.

Salary Range: $69,959 - $82,552

Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills with both internal and external constituencies in a professional setting. Professional experience working within a complex records/information environment involving application and interpretation of rules, regulations, and policies. Professional experience developing and maintaining an accurate and detailed records management system. Professional experience with electronic document management and processing systems. Professional experience requiring high level of accuracy and attention to detail at strategic and tactical levels. Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity. Professional experience requiring the exercise of independent judgment. Utilize a wide variety of electronic records processing software, databases, and other tracking systems to gather, process, redact, and store records. Interact with members of the public and press, both orally and in writing, in a professional, courteous manner. Understand the complex dynamics of how to communicate effectively with the media and when to raise issues of importance to university leadership.

This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is not considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
This position does not require security clearance.