Public Information Act Officer

Job Description

Summary:

The Public Information Act Officer administers NTTA’s public information request program and coordinates responses to subpoenas, search warrants, and court orders. The Public Information Act Officer ensures requests are processed accurately and efficiently in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, the Texas Administrative Code, applicable opinions and decisions of the Office of the Attorney General, and other governing laws. The Act assigns specific statutory responsibilities and potential liability to this position. The Public Information Act Officer coordinates responses across NTTA departments; analyzes routine, complex, and sensitive records; prepares legal and administrative correspondence; manages requests, document production, and information excepted from public disclosure; and serves as a subject-matter resource for NTTA staff.

Responsibilities:

• Oversees documentation associated with information requests from citizens, attorneys, businesses, governmental agencies, and media from receipt through final disposition.
• Evaluates the scope of information requests and coordinates with internal departments to identify and facilitate the timely release of complete and accurate records.
• Identifies and withholds information that is confidential, privileged, intellectual property protected, or otherwise excepted from public disclosure under applicable law.
• Prepares correspondence to requestors, including clarification requests, cost estimates, Attorney General notices, and other PIA communications while meeting statutory deadlines.
• Notifies third parties of information requests and civil subpoenas seeking disclosure of their confidential information.
• Prepares legal briefs, compiles responsive records, and coordinates with legal counsel when submitting materials to the Office of the Attorney General in support of requests to withhold information from public disclosure.
• Executes and validates information excepted from disclosure consistent with applicable Attorney General rulings, decisions, and other legal authorities.
• Prepares business record affidavits regarding information disclosed, as needed.
• Responds to criminal subpoenas and requests from governmental authorities by coordinating responsive document production and/or testimony from the appropriate NTTA corporate representative.
• Provides training, guidance, and subject-matter expertise to legal team members handling routine requests and to NTTA staff regarding the Texas Public Information Act and internal policies, processes, and procedures.
• Stays abreast of legislative developments by reviewing legislation, researching applicable law, consulting with attorneys, attending relevant training, and conferring with other Public Information Act officers regarding best practices.
• Maintains complete, organized, and accurate request files and responsive records throughout the request lifecycle in accordance with applicable records retention requirements.
• Compiles and reports on volume of information requests and related program measures.
• Administers and maintains software used to intake, track, process, and report on information requests.
• Interprets statutes, Attorney General opinions and decision, and legal guidance and process while maintaining strict deadlines.

• Actively participates in team/NTTA employee events and departmental goal setting, attends as-needed in-person meetings, and is required to be in person when handling copies that must be mailed to requesters.

Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the United States immediately. This position is not available for H1-B visa sponsorship.

Qualifications:

Minimum:                                  

·         Bachelor’s degree.

• At least seven years of legal-related or Public Information Act experience.
• Self-starter who completes projects independently.
• Ability to be focused under tight deadlines and high volume of requests.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion while working in a team setting.
• Highly detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal collaboration and communication skills.

·         Demonstrates a high level of critical thinking.

NTTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.