Req 33027 Compliance Officer, Public Records



The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation's premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoy outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

In 1972, Washington state enacted both the public records law and the open public meeting act to assure citizens of our state transparency and access to government. 

The staff of the Office of Public Records and Open Public Meetings oversees the university's compliance with these two important laws: the Public Records Act and the Open Public Meeting Act.

The Office of Public Records and Open Meetings has an outstanding opportunity for a Compliance Officer to be responsible for assuring that the University's response to individual public records requests complies with all state and federal access and transparency laws.  Reporting to the Director, the Public Records Compliance Officer independently manages the University's response to individual public records requests. Using considerable discretion and excellent judgment, s/he works with faculty and staff to assure that the University is in compliance with state and federal laws regarding release of University information and data; analyzes information and data, manages the fiscal and legal risk associated with individual requests; conducts research to determine if applicable legal exemptions may apply to its release in accordance with state and federal laws; serves as primary contact with requestors and works closely with them to assure their needs are met; keeps Director fully informed of compliance issues and fiscal and legal risks. 

 

Responsibilities:

Consults with Assistant Attorney Generals regarding application of legal exemptions.  Works closely with Assistant Attorney Generals and with the Office of Risk Management on "de facto" discovery requests to manage legal and financial risk to University.   

Analyzes all types of very complex information and data including: primary scientific research, animal research, biological research, anti-terrorism research, technology licensing and transfer information, patent information; information held by the University but considered proprietary by the University's business partners, patient information, student information, attorney-client privileged information, records involving criminal, human rights and personnel investigations, information considered confidential or personal for business purposes, computer systems security records and information affecting public safety and/or national security. 

Monitors timeframe of University's response to public records request carefully so that the University complies with all requirements of the Public Records Law including its timely response requirement. 

Provides guidance to staff, faculty and departments about requirements of the Public Records Law and about exemptions that may be applied by the University under various state and federal statutes. 

Analyzes requests and determines which departments, faculty and staff may hold responsive information and data.  Works with staff to assure all records are identified and collected in compliance with the Public Records Law. 

Works with all levels of University personnel, with opposing attorneys and with the media on a daily basis. Works with colleagues to review and analyze requests outside Public Records Compliance Officer's own caseload as necessary.  May assign and oversee work associated with their caseload to other staff as appropriate.  May have other duties as assigned including those that pertain to training and to the Open Public Meeting Act.  May act for the director in his/her absence.  

 

Competitive candidates will possess excellent analytical skills and a high level of attention to detail.  Inherent to success in this position is strong project management skills and demonstrated ability to work with all levels.

 

 

Minimum requirements include

 

Bachelors Degree

2 years experience working in a complex environment analyzing, interpreting and applying intricate rules and regulations 

Must be able to manage multiple public record requests while analyzing large volumes of complex information under strict legal deadlines

Excellent analytical skills

Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills to include the ability to make formal presentations

Ability to work effectively as part of a team and establish effective working partnerships with diverse groups of people

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion and sound decision-making while handling sensitive documents

Ability to lift/move 40 lbs.

Flexible and available for occasional evening and weekend work as required   

 

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

 

 

Desired Qualifications include 

 

Those holding masters degree such as a Masters in Library and Information Science, Public Relations, Records Management or those holding a JD who have made a considered decision not to engage in the traditional practice of law should consider applying. Experience in a compliance environment

Knowledge of Washington State Public Records Law and/or FOIA experience 

Knowledge of Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Experience in an academic research or scientific research institution  

 

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/benefits/forms/benefits.glance.professional.pdf



Application Process:



Visit the UW Hires Website: http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/jobs/apl/index.html, search for job # 33027



Part of the application process for this position includes completing an on-line cover letter assessment as well as the Employment Eligibility Assessment to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  The assessment(s) will appear on your screen for you to complete as soon as you select "Apply to this Position" on this job announcement. Once you begin the assessment, it must be completed at that time. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready.  Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until the assessment is complete.



Megan Sibbert 
University of Washington 
Records Management Services

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