Public Disclosure Program Manager #2020-00886
Public Disclosure Program Manager
Salary: $44.71 - $67.09 Hourly
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Department: Seattle Information Technology
Job Number: 2020-00886
Closing: 11/3/2020 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
The City of Seattle is seeking qualified candidates for our Public Disclosure Program Manager opening with Seattle Information Technology (IT).
As a city, Seattle is known as a progressive leader in technology, innovation and the environment. As an employer, the City of Seattle is leading local government in environmental stewardship and social justice amongst other things, making our City what it is today and shaping our exciting future. The organization’s workforce plays a critical in making this possible.
Seattle IT is the technology backbone of the City of Seattle’s complex operations and its ability to deliver a wide array of services for the residents of Seattle. The 700+ strong professionals in Seattle IT are involved in the full spectrum of a modern IT enterprise offering many dynamic career opportunities. Our vision is simple: be a Best-in-Class digital services delivery team and set best practices for others to follow.
The Public Disclosure Program Manager performs a wide range of duties that ensures accurate and timely responses to public disclosure requests in compliance with the Washington State Public Records Act, or PRA (RCW 42.56). The position also provides professional level work advising on production of public records Citywide in support of department Public Disclosure Officers. The Public Disclosure Program Manager works closely with the Citywide Public Records Act ("CPRA") program, City-staff; media representatives; the public; private attorneys; and elected officials, among others to clarify and respond to complex public information requests.
Job Responsibilities
Here's more of what you'll be doing:
• Receive and interpret public disclosure requests, and coordinates collection, review and release of responsive records in accordance with state law and city policy and supervises other staff in this capacity.
• Provide strategic leadership, policy and project management of the City's public disclosure function accordingly to city and state legal requirements.
• Locate and gather large volumes of records.
• Interpret requests and generates search terms for Boolean and other electronic searches in City systems and databases and conducts searches.
• Communicate with media requestors, other requestors, records custodians, the City's Attorney's Office, other public disclosure officers, and various agencies or third parties.
• Organize, process, review, and redact records, and prepare installments of disclosure using various document review platforms.
• Provide advice and guidance to departments and leaders regarding public records requests.
• Identify applicable exemptions during record review, apply redactions, and generate exemption logs.
• Use GovQA to track requests, communicate with and invoice requestor, and provide records via the Public Records Request Center.
• Perform legal research work and other duties as assigned to support Public Disclosure Officers and advise on research work.
Your effectiveness in this role will depend on your ability to:
• Exercise excellent judgment
• Be a team player
• Work efficiently and independently
• Manage high volume of tasks and projects with little guidance on deadlines
• React with appropriate urgency to situations and events that require a quick response or turnaround
• Think creatively and be proactive in solving problems
• Have great attention to detail while still meeting tight deadlines
• Work with a high level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information
• Communicate effectively and possess strong interpersonal skills
You will be prepared for this role if you have the following knowledge and skills:
• Current knowledge of the Washington State Public Records Act and other statutes, case law, rules and regulations related to public records requests
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, SharePoint and GovQA or other public records databases
• Proficiency and strong working knowledge of all software or electronic management systems, e-discovery platforms, used for collection, redaction, production of public records
• Legal research skills to accurately apply exemptions and research legal issues and prepare memorandums
You will be most successful in this role if you have experience in any of the below areas:
• Legal experience in a public sector environment
• Electronic records search and retrieval in various digital media and responding to e-discovery, legal document review or requests for production
• Municipal records management
• Current Washington Certified Public Records Officer (WAPRO Certification) or able to get certified within six months of employment
Qualifications
The work of this position requires current subject matter expert knowledge of the statutes, case law, rules and regulations related to public records requests. Experience conducting legal research; electronic records search and retrieval; and data mining in various digital media is essential. Knowledge of public record keeping practices; familiarity with the operations of municipal government is also required.
The successful candidate will have strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail, including the ability to independently set priorities and make decisions. They possess exceptional verbal, written, analytic, research, problem-solving, political and project management skills. Their professional work demonstrates the ability to manage multiple priorities and spontaneously respond to inquiries on difficult issues and problems. They have a reputation as a strong collaborative partner, exercising a high level of tact, good judgment, discretion, diplomacy and cooperative working relationships with diverse groups of people.
Additional Information
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. The Seattle Information Technology Department values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. ITD encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.
NOTE: Employment contingent upon successful completion of comprehensive criminal background investigation in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Change Employment Ordinance SMC 14.17.
Agency: City of Seattle
Address
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500
Seattle, Washington, 98104