The FOIA / Program Analyst IV provides senior-level analytical support for federal information requests, including complex and backlogged cases, appeals, and litigation matters. The position applies substantive FOIA expertise and independent judgment to evaluate responsive records, address disclosure issues, and prepare accurate, well-supported recommendations for Government review. Through thorough analysis and documentation, the analyst supports government transparency while protecting sensitive information.
The Senior Analyst coordinates with Government stakeholders, records custodians, and requesters to clarify requirements, refine searches, and resolve processing barriers. The role supports complex disclosure reviews, redaction, eDiscovery searches, quality assurance, and improvements that strengthen consistency and advance case completion. Work is performed remotely through Government-approved systems, with in-person meetings as required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Request, identify, review, and analyze records responsive to assigned FOIA requests, backlogged cases, appeals, and litigation matters using approved case-management and tracking systems.
- Conduct disclosure reviews and apply appropriate FOIA exemptions using independent judgment in accordance with the FOIA Act, Privacy Act, HIPAA, OPEN Government Act, FOIA Improvement Act, and agency policies.
- Evaluate disclosure concerns, including foreseeable harm and the release of reasonably segregable information, consistent with applicable federal laws and agency policies.
- Coordinate as needed with Government FOIA staff, program offices, regional locations, records custodians, and requesters to clarify scope, disclosure concerns, search terms, and outgoing responses.
- Prepare records for release using approved redaction tools, including redactions, sanitization, Bates numbering when applicable, and indexes describing withheld material and exemption codes.
- Support appeals and litigation matters, including review in Relativity or other approved eDiscovery tools, preparation of correspondence, Vaughn-index support, and documentation of actions taken.
- Develop and implement Government-approved search terms in designated eDiscovery systems and document search activity and potentially responsive records.
- Maintain complete and accurate case files, including analyses, draft responses, notes, annotations, correspondence, and supporting documentation in designated tracking systems.
- Review work products for completeness, accuracy, consistent exemption application, and adequate supporting rationale before submission for required Government review and approval.
- Identify complex processing issues, recurring quality concerns, and opportunities to improve workflows, reduce rework, and advance timely case completion.
