Senior FOIA Analyst

As a Senior FOIA Analyst at Contact Government Services (CGS), your primary responsibilities include receiving, reviewing, and analyzing FOIA requests, drafting correspondence, and negotiating with requesters and other agency representatives. You will also coordinate document searches, manage backlogged requests, and ensure compliance with legal regulations. This role is pivotal in enhancing government transparency and efficiency.

To be eligible for the Senior FOIA Analyst position at Contact Government Services, you should have at least three years of experience processing FOIA requests and a solid understanding of applicable FOIA regulations. Familiarity with FOIA tools like FOIA EXPRESS and experience in federal government settings are highly valued. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently are essential.

CGS offers a supportive environment that emphasizes professional growth for Senior FOIA Analysts. We provide various learning opportunities and encourage employees to take on new challenges. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that is committed to promoting innovation and continuous development in your career.

The work environment for Senior FOIA Analysts at Contact Government Services (CGS) is collaborative and dynamic. We focus on creating a positive team atmosphere where your contributions are valued, and your ideas are encouraged. You'll find yourself working alongside motivated and skilled professionals who are dedicated to solving government challenges using cutting-edge technology.

As a Senior FOIA Analyst at Contact Government Services, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, a 401k plan, flexible spending accounts, and generous paid time off. We believe in taking care of our employees, and these benefits reflect our commitment to promoting work-life balance and overall well-being.

While prior federal government experience is not explicitly required for the Senior FOIA Analyst role at Contact Government Services, it is highly valued. Having experience in a federal setting can enhance your understanding of the unique challenges and regulations you will face, making you a strong candidate for the position.

Successful Senior FOIA Analysts at Contact Government Services should possess strong analytical skills, excellent oral and written communication abilities, and a thorough understanding of FOIA regulations. The ability to work independently and maintain attention to detail while processing requests is critical. Additionally, familiarity with FOIA tools and obtaining government security clearance can give candidates an edge.

Discuss your specific experience with FOIA request processing, including how you received, analyzed, and responded to requests. Highlight any tools you've used, any complex requests you've handled, and how you ensured compliance with regulations.

Provide a brief overview of each exemption, giving examples of what types of information they protect. Demonstrating a clear understanding of these exemptions shows your knowledge of the legal framework surrounding FOIA.

Explain your procedure for reviewing documents before release, including methods for redaction and quality assurance checks. This highlights your meticulous attention to detail and commitment to compliance.

Share a specific example, detailing the request's complexity, your approach to handling it, and the outcome. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and your ability to manage high-pressure situations.

Discuss your strategy for prioritizing requests based on urgency and legal requirements. Providing insight into your organizational skills and time management will showcase your ability to handle multiple tasks effectively.

Address the importance of attention to detail and your process for verifying data accuracy. Mention any software you are familiar with and how you keep track of updates to maintain the database's integrity.

Explain your approach to communication—how you set expectations, provide updates, and handle negotiations. Highlighting your interpersonal skills shows you can navigate complex interactions adeptly.

List any relevant tools you've used, such as FOIA EXPRESS or SecureRelease. Emphasize how proficiency with these tools enhances your effectiveness as a Senior FOIA Analyst.

Mention examples of how you worked collaboratively with colleagues or agencies to gather information for requests. Teamwork is vital in FOIA processing, so showcasing collaborative projects will be beneficial.

Articulate your personal beliefs about the importance of government transparency and your commitment to facilitating access to information. This question assesses your alignment with CGS's mission and values.