FOIA Officer/Policy Manager

The George Mason University, Office of Compliance, Diversity and Ethics is seeking a FOIA Compliance Officer and University Policy Manager to respond to Freedom of Information Act requests on behalf of the University, and manage the University's overall policy process under direction from the Vice President for Compliance, Diversity and Ethics. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.

Responsibilities: The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

As University Policy Manager; coordinates the process of developing and revising University policies, from draft stage to signed and posted as official policy. This includes participation on policy committees, drafting new policies and revisions in consultation with Mason offices, researching law and existing policy for compliance, reviewing policy with University Counsel, sending policies for signature, and managing the University policy website http://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/. In addition, the Policy Manager is tasked with reaching out to responsible offices, alerting them of policies that need revision and facilitating the revision process. The Policy Manager is also a subject matter expert on University policy and answers questions regarding applicable University policies. Finally, the Policy Manager serves as the agency's Regulatory Coordinator, and liaises with the Commonwealth on new regulations and guidance documents created by Mason.

As Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Compliance Officer; communicates with FOIA requesters on behalf of Mason and coordinates with employees to respond to requests, as required in compliance with Virginia FOIA. Virginia Code § 2.2-3704.2 requires all state agencies designate a FOIA Officer. As part of that responsibility, the FOIA Officer reviews responses from Mason employees for responsiveness and possible exemptions. In consultation with others including senior staff, the FOIA Officer determines whether exemptions to FOIA apply and exercises them by redacting or withholding records. Other duties include recordkeeping (maintaining the FOIA request logs, receiving/tracking payments) and training.

Qualifications: * The successful candidate will have JD or other advanced degree in relevant discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience; * Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills; * Demonstrated ability to draft and revise policies, regulations and guidelines; * Operational experience with large and dynamic organizations, and demonstrated ability to effectively handle multiple and miniscule tasks; * Computer proficiency and excellent knowledge of MS Office projects (i.e., word processing, database and spreadsheet software), and Adobe Acrobat are required; * Prior experience in maintaining and administering web sites, including editing, design and editorial components as necessary; * Ability to do legal research and interpret and analyze complex statutes and provide consultative advice to University officers; * Excellent presentation and public speaking skills with the ability to create and execute workshops, seminars, and webinars for the University community; * Ability to create materials, brochures and handouts to educate the University community about their ethics and FOIA obligations.

For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number FA27Hz at http://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online staff application; and upload a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason!

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities, and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in 198 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William; as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family, take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition!"