FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OFFICER

Freedom Of Information Act Officer

This position is open to the public and all current city employees covered under the City's Collective Bargaining Agreement with AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME) BARGAINING UNIT 1, 3, 4 & 5. Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.

Under general supervision, receives and responds to requests for information of public record, and court subpoenas using multiple resources and streams of data to research and locate relevant information, and speaks and writes about findings, and performs related duties as required.

Essential duties:

• Responds to requests for information filed by citizens, journalists, and outside entities pursuant to the State of Illinois Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA")
• Responds verbally and in writing to inquiries from the general public, business establishments, community organizations, media and governmental agencies regarding city programs, services, and business matters of public record
• Researches, examines, and analyzes documents to provide responsive documents in response to FOIA requests and makes appropriate redactions of exempt information
• Resolves information requests within the required timeframes and where appropriate requests extensions in writing
• Assesses whether the magnitude of information requested proves burdensome in adherence with the State of Illinois Freedom of Information guidelines
• Obtains necessary information from manual, computerized and archived files, and records
• Responds via the internet in writing to requests for information sent electronically through the internet concerning departmental programs, services or matters of public record, as required
• Oversees and participates in the mailing of responses to written requests for information
• Trains and orientates clerical and administrative staff to track down information, redact exempt information from public documents, photocopy, and scan documents, as required
• Prepares and maintains statistical and narrative work activity reports
• Maintains and updates log of all FOIA requests
• Works with the Department of Law to respond to subpoenas for documents
• May review information to be posted onto the intranet and internet websites for accuracy regarding departmental programs and services, as required
• May represent the department at public hearings and community meetings to explain and promote city services, programs, and upcoming events, as required

Location: Office of Public Safety Administration Office of the General Counsel

Address: 3510 S Michigan Ave

Shift: Monday through Friday

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

This position is in the Career Service.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, English or a directly related field, plus two years research and analysis work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and, experience

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

Certification by the State of Illinois as a Freedom of Information Officer is required, within six (6) months of hire.

Note: You must provide your transcripts or diploma at time of processing, if applicable.

Selection requirements

This position requires applicants to successfully complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected. Selected Bidders will be hired in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement. Non-Bidders best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected AND Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:

• Previous experience responding to FOIA requests
• Previous experience with GovQA or related online databases
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

All references to political sponsorship or recommendation must be omitted from all application materials submitted for City employment. The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer. City of Chicago Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Applications for this position will be accepted from July 13, 2026, until 11:59 pm CST on July 27, 2026. No exceptions will be made.