Deputy Freedom of Information Act Officer and eDiscovery Manager

The Office of the University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks applications for a Deputy Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer and eDiscovery Manager.  UVA’s FOIA Office operates under the auspices of the OUC and is responsible for receiving and responding to public records requests made to UVA under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, as well as working with the OUC in subpoena responses, document preservation notices and holds, and eDiscovery management.

The Deputy FOIA Officer and eDiscovery Manager primary responsibilities are:

• Manage a caseload of FOIA requests from start to finish by analyzing requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, coordinating with University custodians to collect responsive documents, reviewing documents for responsiveness and exemptions, and drafting the University’s final responses to ensure compliance
• Accurately assess and calculate University costs, as permitted under Virginia FOIA statutes, and send cost estimates to requesters
• Calculate response deadlines correctly and ensure compliance with FOIA, court-imposed deadlines, and other legal standards
• Respond diligently to follow-up inquiries from requesters regarding their FOIA responses
• Collaborate with the Records & Information Management Office to conduct document reviews using eDiscovery systems and apply Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) best practices
• Collect records in response to subpoenas, preservation notices, and other document requests, and maintain accurate records and master logs
• Work with University offices, including University Counsel and the Records & Information Management Office, to implement document holds, issue and manage preservation notices, and gather appropriate records in response to FOIA, litigation, and other requests
• Consult with the Office of University Counsel to determine which records are responsive to FOIA requests or subject to exemptions
• Maintain all official records related to FOIA and other document requests

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree. 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience: At least two years of relevant experience in a law firm, legal department, institution of higher education, or other relevant role.

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies

• A minimum of four years’ experience supporting FOIA compliance or litigation document handling, preferably in a higher education or public institution setting
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, strong interpersonal skills, and keen attention to detail
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with UVA faculty and staff, citizens and members of the media seeking records, presenting a positive and professional image of UVA
• Possess strong analytical and writing skills, with demonstrated ability to collect and analyze information
• Possess a familiarity with media operations to effectively communicate with reporters regarding FOIA requests
• General familiarity with litigation, including the discovery process, preservation notices, attorney-client privilege, as well as the mechanics of document production
• Knowledge of and/or experience with eDiscovery software, Adobe Acrobat, and document sharing software/systems (e.g. Box, DropBox, Secure FTP)
• Demonstrated experience in case analysis, ideally involving FOIA requests or related reviews, including identifying exemptions and applying redactions while maintaining the strictest of confidentiality
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, work collaboratively in a team environment, and adapt to established work patterns and processes as required
• Ascribe to highest standards of honesty, diligence, quality and integrity
• Accountable for results
• Develop trusted relationships, using diplomacy and conflict-resolution skills
• Think proactively and problem-solve innovatively
• Listen actively and write effectively

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers.

The anticipated hiring range is $70,000–$85,000, commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This is a restricted position with a term limit of one year, after which continued employment will depend contingent upon performance, organizational needs, and budget availability.

This position is fully remote and may be performed outside of Charlottesville, VA, in alignment with UVA’s remote work guidelines.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after November 19, 2025.  The anticipated start date is December 2025.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future. 

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0078164. Complete an application with the following documents:  

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF.   Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required. 

For questions about the position, please contact Faith Hill, fab6d@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.