Visiting FOIA Coordinator (Hybrid)

University of Illinois System; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 58,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition waivers for employees and/or a

Retirement Plan

Job summary

The University of Illinois System seeks a Vice President for External Relations and Communications-Chicago to coordinate FOIA processing and related data needs. The role supports the Associate and Assistant Directors of FOIA Administration, ensuring timely responses across multiple locations and channels.

Based in Chicago with primarily remote work, the position involves collaboration with legal counsel, regular team check-ins, and ongoing process improvements to meet deadlines and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, legal studies, or related field.
• Minimum four years of professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, legal, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate FOIA processing team responsibilities under Associate Director of FOIA Administration.
• Hold regular check-ins with coordinators to ensure consistency in FOIA responses.
• Consult with legal counsel on processing FOIA materials.
• Assist with data needs of the FOIA process across multiple locations.
• Develop reports and automate reporting and graphics production.

Skills

FOIA coordination

Data analysis

Project coordination

Written & verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Vice Pres External Rel & Comm-Chicago

Coordinate and manage operations related to projects administered by External Relations and Communications to achieve established objectives and goals, including monitoring progress to ensure completion of requests submitted to the University under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); conducting data analyses on a variety of topics, including FOIA-responsive records; providing comprehensive records support to the Associate Director of FOIA Administration and Assistant Director of FOIA Administration; and processing FOIA requests. This position is based in Chicago and is mostly remote other than department team meetings several times a year.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as a coordinator for Freedom of Information Act processing team under the direction of the Associate Director of FOIA Administration. For assigned requests, set priorities to ensure prompt compliance consistent with University processes and the law. Determine office(s) with responsive documents and notify appropriate staff of a request and response timeline. Process responsive documents, marking redactions. Prepare response letters for review by the Associate Director. Confirm due dates and ensure all requests are fulfilled by their due dates.
• Hold regular check-ins with other coordinators about workload, processes and tools to ensure consistency in FOIA responses.
• In consultation with the Associate Director, consult with legal counsel on processing materials responsive to assigned FOIA requests.
• Assist with the data needs of the FOIA process, a multi-location operation with staff at three universities and in System Offices. This includes: enter data as assigned by the Associate Director; ensure data integrity; produce reports upon request; automate reporting and graphics production; research data tracking and manipulation solutions, making suggestions about improved, cost-efficient tracking and reporting options.
• Explore and implement collaboration of FOIA best practices with other public universities in Illinois.
• Serve on system, university, and/or External Relations and Communications committees/teams as assigned.
• Perform other assigned duties appropriate for the position of FOIA Coordinator.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, legal studies, or a related field.
• Minimum four years of professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, legal, or a related discipline.

Preferred:

• Knowledgeable about the state of Illinois regulations and guidelines established by the Freedom of Information Act.
• Work experience in a higher education institution, and related work experience in an Illinois public body subject to FOIA or other regulatory compliance.

Knowledge And Experience

• Ability to review, analyze, and interpret FOIA documents and/or governmental regulations. 2. Excellent problem-solving skills that require the ability to identify problems, gather data, establish facts, and present valid conclusions in response to problems. 3. Analytical skills using a variety of software. 4. Excellent written and verbal communications skills. 5. Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships. 6. Ability to work independently and use independent judgment and work as a team member; ability to exercise good judgment and discretion. 7. Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills to produce accurate, detail-oriented work while meeting stringent deadlines. 8. The ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information. 9. Proficiency with Microsoft computer programs (including Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat; demonstrated interest and knowledge of and aptitude for learning new software. 10. Knowledge about state regulations and guidelines established by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. 11. Exceptional writing and editing skills across formats: news, narrative, editorial, and executive voice. 12. Demonstrated experience in media relations, including proactive pitching and journalist relationship management. 13. Strong digital literacy and familiarity with content management systems, media monitoring tools, and analytics platforms. 14. Working knowledge of AI-assisted communications tools and a demonstrated ability to apply them responsibly and effectively. 15. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 16. Track record of securing media placements in regional, state, or national outlets.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is 12/7/2026. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position.

The budgeted salary range for the position is $58,000.00 - 66,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility Statement

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting the System Human Resource Services at 217-333-2600 or by emailing [e-mail] .