FOIL Records Officer

Description

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.

SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for supporting the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel - eDiscovery, and the Senior Associate Counsel - FOIL by responding to Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”) requests. The position will be a member of the FOIL team, with primary responsibility for records access management, while also working on matters including legal research.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assess, gather responsive documentation, and review routine and semi-routine FOIL requests.
• Work across the entire MTA enterprise to identify custodians and collect records in response to FOIL requests.
• Proactively track and comply with statutory deadlines. Prepare regular reports of FOIL request traffic.
• Serve as advisor on technical needs of FOIL processes, including evaluation of processing systems and advising on potential new technology to maintain best-in-class FOIL compliance. Provide guidance and direction to Information Technology personnel and other MTA staff for document collection.
• Position functions in several respects within statutory and regulatory frameworks that limit and control the position's authority. Interpretations of law and regulations are reviewed with staff lawyers, and this position is responsible for accurately communicating those interpretations to others.
• Has a limited level of authority for decision making, which is subject to approval by departmental management. Decision-making authority over their immediate responsibilities is routine or semi-routine with some diversification and occurs within established, detailed practices and instructions, and/or with immediately available assistance.
• May perform analysis and research. Report findings to the immediate supervisor. May be involved with quality assurance reviews as directed by the immediate supervisor.
• Exercises proper judgment in responding to inquiries while referring more complex issues to the appropriate individuals within the department.
• Supports the implementation of policies and procedures for the department’s group. Does not make recommendations for policy and procedural changes without final approval from the Chief. Does not provide input into the overall strategy for the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must have basic research skills.
• Must be attentive to detail.
• Must be able to understand and work with confidential matters.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn communication and interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn organizational and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn to communicate and interact well with external agencies.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn analytical and/or quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in or ability to learn the Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

PREFERRED:

• The ability to research using legal software, such as Lexis/Nexis or similar database applications.
• Knowledge of basic records management.
• Prior experience working in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body.
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends).
• Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.
• This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education from an accredited college and experience, may be considered in lieu of a degree, or a minimum of four years paralegal or related experience in lieu of education.

Other Information
May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)
Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.
According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.