FOIA & Privacy Counsel — Open Records Expert

Illinois Comptroller; Springfield, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 8,500 - 10,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid Parental leave

Pension Plan

Deferred Compensation

Paid sick days

Paid vacation days

Paid personal days

13-14 paid state holidays

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood seeks an experienced FOIA and Privacy Legal Counsel to provide expert guidance on public records disclosure and data privacy. This critical role ensures compliance with federal and state FOIA statutes and privacy regulations, leading the evaluation of complex records requests and advising leadership on exemptions and obligations.

The position is salaried, full‑time, with a comprehensive benefits package and flexible work arrangements in Springfield.

Qualifications

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school.
• Requires three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law.
• Prefers FOIA experience and data privacy counsel background.
• Prefers in‑house counsel experience and collaboration with internal/external stakeholders.
• Prefers IAPP CIPP certification and related privacy governance experience.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Legal Counsel & designated FOIA Officer for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC).
• Serves as the agency's Designated Privacy Officer.
• Serves as the Open Meetings Act (OMA) Officer for IDEC.
• Conducts special projects and assists other programmatic staff within IDEC's Legal Division.
• Performs other duties as required within the scope of duties enumerated.

Skills

FOIA knowledge

Privacy compliance

Policy interpretation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood seeks an experienced FOIA and Privacy Legal Counsel to provide expert guidance on public records disclosure and data privacy. This critical role ensures compliance with federal and state FOIA statutes and privacy regulations, leading the evaluation of complex records requests and advising leadership on exemptions and obligations.

The position is salaried, full‑time, with a comprehensive benefits package and flexible work arrangements in Springfield.