FOIL Records Officer

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teleworking 1 day/week

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is seeking a FOIL Records Officer to support the General Counsel and FOIL team. The role focuses on records access management, FOIL processing, and legal research tasks within a busy governmental environment.

Responsibilities include reviewing FOIL requests, identifying custodians, meeting deadlines, and advising on processes and systems to ensure compliant FOIL operations. A strong research background and MS Office proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have knowledge of 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assess, gather responsive documentation, and perform a review of 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 purposes of document collection.
• Function as a principal advisor/analyst to senior-level stakeholders on matters involving the collection of records.
• Perform a wide variety of tasks for attorneys on an as-needed basis, including monitoring the progress of pending legislation and assisting in performing computerized research using Lexis.

Skills

Attention to detail

Confidential matter handling

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Paralegal experience (4+ years)

Tools

LexisNexis

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

• POSTING NO.: 15120
• JOB TITLE: FOIL Records Officer
• DEPT/DIV: General Counsel
• SUPERVISOR: Deputy General Counsel and Unit Chief, e-Discovery & FOIL
• WORK LOCATION: 2 Broadway
• HOURS OF WORK: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7.5 hours/day) or as required
• FULL/PART-TIME: FULL
• SALARY RANGE: $72,206 - $90,257
• DEADLINE: Until filled

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.

Opening

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.

Position Objective

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 perform a review of 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 purposes of document collection.
• Function as a principal advisor/analyst to senior-level stakeholders on matters involving the collection of records.
• Perform a wide variety of tasks for attorneys on an as-needed basis, including monitoring the progress of pending legislation and assisting in performing computerized research using Lexis.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Must have knowledge of 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.

Required 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 of paralegal or related experience in lieu of education.

The Following is/are 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.

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.