Careers at Virginia Tech

The Freedom of Information Act Officer (FOIA Officer) is officially responsible for receiving and responding to requests for public records, as required under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA). As the university’s subject matter expert as it relates to records requests under the VFOIA, the FOIA Officer is responsible for leading and managing the institution’s response for records requests and providing a final quality assurance review of all responses to FOIA requests.

This position is the primary point of contact for all VFOIA requests, determines which department and/or college/school supplies the records based on the request, communicates with appropriate university employees on the specific request, reviews and redacts documents as needed, interacts with the requestor, meets timelines and other procedural requirements of VFOIA, and ensures that invoices are prepared and payments processed timely. This position requires the ability to conduct, analyze, and present research findings, as well as draft policies, reports, and correspondence. Additionally, the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with a working style that is collegial and collaborative is required.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff for Communications and Marketing, this position will engage with individuals across the university and will provide advice and guidance on FOIA matters. This position may represent the Vice President of Communications and Marketing at specified meetings related to Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and the Privacy Act as they relate to the release of documents and to university policy. This position will also prepare and present training and education presentations and/or material to educate administrative colleagues across the university on VFOIA requirements and processes.

- Master’s degree in management, administration or another related field; or a Bachelor’s degree with experience equating to an advanced degree.

- Strong project management, organizational, and administrative skills combined with an interest in a highly complex, yet collaborative work environment.

- Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills

- Demonstrated commitment to the university's Principles of Community.

- Knowledge of Virginia's Freedom of Information Act.

- Knowledge of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

- Knowledge of the Privacy Act.

- Experience in interpreting and applying statutory and regulatory requirements.

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Regular

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.