FOIA Support Specialist

Think Tank, Inc.; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Think Tank, Inc. is seeking a FOIA Support Specialist to provide administrative and analytical support for FOIA activities. The Specialist will review requests, manage records, and prepare status reports, ensuring compliance with government procedures.

The ideal candidate will have experience with FOIA processes, proficiency in relevant software like Adobe Acrobat and Clearwell, and excellent communication skills. Candidates must be able to obtain a public trust determination.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience supporting FOIA processes including intake and records collection.
• Experience preparing FOIA status reports and identifying workflow improvement opportunities.
• Proficiency in various software and tools required for the role.

Responsibilities

• Review incoming FOIA requests for completeness and identify missing information.
• Create and update FOIA case records in approved systems.
• Prepare monthly and annual FOIA status reports.

Skills

Experience with FOIA processes

Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat

Strong written and oral communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Experience with FOIA Online or eDiscovery tools

Tools

FOIA Online

Clearwell

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Position Overview

The FOIA Support Specialist provides administrative, analytical, and records‑processing support for NMFS OAA Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) activities. Work is performed using Government‑approved procedures, templates, and systems. The Specialist does not make final FOIA release determinations or invoke exemptions as a final agency action – all determinations remain with the Government.

Key Responsibilities

FOIA Intake, Tracking, and Case Management

• Review incoming FOIA requests for completeness; identify missing information, scope issues, deadlines, tolling events, and routing considerations for Government review
• Create and update FOIA case records in Government‑approved systems (e.g., FOIA Online, Clearwell, or successor eDiscovery platforms)
• Maintain a FOIA tracking dashboard with case number, requestor, date received, due date, owner, status, risks, next actions, and target completion dates
• Monitor case progress and alert the COR before cases approach statutory or internal due dates, backlog risk, or resource bottlenecks

Records Collection, Processing, and Review

• Collect responsive records from SMEs and coordinators and place them in the approved staging area or system of record
• Import, export, sort, organize, format, de‑duplicate, and tag records using Government‑approved categories and instructions
• Perform first‑pass review of records for responsiveness, duplicate status, consultation needs, sensitivity indicators, and potential redaction areas for Government review
• Prepare draft redaction recommendations and draft release packages for Government and OGC review
• Perform quality control checks on records packages (file format, pagination, search completeness, tagging consistency, redaction integrity, packaging completeness)

Coordination and Communication Support

• Prepare weekly taskers for SMEs including records requested, due dates, instructions, reminders, and status summaries
• Prepare draft correspondence, status updates, reports, briefings, and response materials for Government review and approval
• Coordinate administrative package routing with OGC and track OGC comments

FOIA Reporting and Improvement

• Prepare monthly and annual FOIA status reports including caseload, aging, backlog risks, completed actions, and process improvement recommendations
• Identify recurring bottlenecks and workflow improvement opportunities; propose practical corrective actions for Government consideration
• Develop or update desk guides, checklists, templates, and written instructions for FOIA record review processes

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience supporting FOIA processes including intake, records collection, organization, tagging, de‑duplication, first‑pass responsiveness review, and redaction support
• Experience with FOIA Online or comparable FOIA case management systems
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat and Clearwell/eDiscovery tools or comparable platforms
• Ability to prepare draft redaction recommendations, release packages, and clear written/verbal instructions for record reviewers
• Experience preparing FOIA status reports and identifying workflow improvement opportunities
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet), Adobe Acrobat, and SmartSheet
• Ability to learn NOAA/DOC systems and procedures quickly
• Must be capable of obtaining and maintaining a suitability/public trust determination (Tier 1 or successor) and all required system access approvals
• Must identify as a contractor in all written, electronic, and verbal communications per contract requirements