Information Management Counsel & Records Access Officer

Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission
Job Posting

Job Title:  Information Management Counsel & Records Access Officer

Reports to:  General Counsel

OVERVIEW OF THE AGENCY AND THE POSITION

The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission is an independent agency that oversees law enforcement departments and officers throughout the Commonwealth.  The Commission is charged with the following:

•          Establishing certification standards for law enforcement departments and officers;
•         Determining whether those standards have been met;
•         Developing regulations and policies governing law enforcement;
•         Decertifying, suspending, or ordering retraining for, or imposing other sanctions on officers who commit misconduct or otherwise fail to satisfy requirements;
•         Maintaining, analyzing, and disseminating information regarding law enforcement; and
•         Conducting investigations, adjudicatory proceedings, and public hearings regarding such matters.

The Commission is governed by, implements, and enforces Chapter 6E of the Massachusetts General Laws.  Pursuant to that statute, the Commission collaborates with the Commonwealth’s Municipal Police Training Committee in several areas of its work. 

The Commission is looking for an individual to join its Legal Division in the position of Information Management Counsel & Records Access Officer.  Working under the direction of the Commission’s General Counsel, the individual will predominately work on legal and policy matters related to information management, public records, data privacy, and cybersecurity.  The position will substantially, if not principally, involve responding to public records requests received by the agency.

POSITION FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Information Management Counsel & Records Access Officer will work on various legal and policy matters for the Commission, primarily those involving information management, public records, data privacy and cybersecurity.  The individual will be expected to adhere to applicable sources of law and serve the public ethically at all times.

Core responsibilities of Information Management Counsel function will include:

•          Maintaining an in-depth understanding of, and ensuring Commission compliance with, the law governing information management, public records, data privacy, and cybersecurity;
•          Providing legal guidance and policy analysis on such subjects to Commission personnel;
•      Contributing to the development of regulations, policies, protocols, manuals, and other informational materials related to such matters;
•          Contributing to associated training and risk management initiatives;
•          Responding to subpoenas and other forms of discovery, which may involve preparing court filings based on legal analysis, assembling responsive documents and redacting information protected by law, developing privilege logs, communicating with other counsel, and/or appearing in court;
•          Contributing to the development of the Commission's public and internal databases, and its other information management systems and processes;   
•          Working with the Municipal Police Training Committee regarding the exchange of sensitive information; and

• Developing a familiarity, and collaborating, with all Commission units.

   

Core responsibilities of the Records Access Officer function will include:

•          Performing the duties of a Records Access Officer described in Chapter 66 of the Massachusetts General Laws and associated regulations;
•          Managing the process of responding to public records requests made to the Commission and the performance of associated tasks;
•          Ensuring that requests, deadlines, and related forms of information are tracked electronically;
•          Communicating and negotiating with requesters regarding their requests; 
•          Developing written responses to requests, which responses may need to include substantive legal analysis and advocacy;
•      Overseeing the collection of records, and the redaction of information made non-public by law, in response to requests;    
• Managing the assessment of fees for the production of public records;
• Drafting petitions to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office, and addressing appeals to that office, regarding the Commission's public records responses and fee assessments;
• Overseeing the preparation of internal and public reports on the Commission's public records activity;
• Ensuring that Commission records are retained, archived, and published as required by law; and

•          Preparing document destruction requests to the Commonwealth's Records Conservation Board.      

Other responsibilities may include:

•          Contributing to the development and refinement of regulations, policies and informational materials governing other aspects of the Commission's work or the work of law enforcement officers and departments;
•          Participating in the development of decisions and orders in matters involving individual officers;
•          Working with others to address litigation related to the Commission;
•          Representing the Commission in judicial and administrative agency proceedings; 
•          Preparing materials for Commission meetings; and 
•      Responding to inquiries, concerns, and proposals related to law and policy from those outside the Commission.  

RESIDENCY AND WORK LOCATION

The Information Management Counsel & Records Access Officer will be required to reside within 50 miles of the Commission's Boston office while employed by the Commission.  The individual will also be required to report to the Commission's Boston office in accordance with the supervisors' instructions.  Currently, Commission employees must report to the office at least two days per week and as otherwise directed.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING

To be considered for the position, apply through MassCareers and include a cover letter, a resume, and at least one writing sample reflecting your own substantive legal analysis.  You are strongly encouraged to discuss or demonstrate any experience with the areas listed within your application.  If you are interested in multiple positions that have been posted by the Commission, you are encouraged to apply for all such positions.

The Commission reserves the ability to refrain from considering any application that omits a required item.

SALARY RANGE

     Anticipated range: $90,000 - $120,000. Flexibility if commensurate with experience. 

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Details may be found at: Commonwealth Employee Benefits and Rewards!

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

The Commission is committed to building a diverse staff across its entire agency and at all levels.  The Commission is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

It is the policy of the Commission and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state, or local law. Females, minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, and those who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive are strongly encouraged to apply.

NOTICE OF REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECK – INCLUDING TAX COMPLIANCE

The Commission requires a background check on all prospective employees as a condition of employment.

Candidates should be aware of this requirement but should also know that such a background check is not initiated until:

1. A candidate is invited to a second or subsequent interview; and
2. The candidate has signed the Background Check Authorization Form and related releases.

This background check includes a check of Criminal Offender Record Information, and Federal IRS and Massachusetts Department of Revenue tax compliance on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment.

Candidates with advanced degrees and professional licenses may have these credentials verified. Individuals other than those references provided by a candidate may be contacted while a full background and qualification check is completed.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

The following are essential qualifications for the position:

• A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law and membership in good standing in the Massachusetts bar;
• Proficiency, or the ability to quickly develop proficiency, in the law regarding public records access, records retention, data privacy, cybersecurity, subpoenas, and discovery;
• An appreciation for the mission of the Commission;
• Strong skills in written and verbal communication; and in legal research, analysis, and advocacy;
• An interest in, and a capability to contribute effectively to, the development of policies governing the Commission and law enforcement;
• A commitment to practicing ethically;
• A strong work ethic and dedication to producing work at the highest levels of quality;
• A commitment to handling confidential and sensitive information in accordance with privacy and security protocols, and with discretion;
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and satisfying any internal or external continuing legal education requirement;
• Proficiency with computers and the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and willingness to learn state- and Commission-specific electronic systems;
• Strong organizational skills, and attention to detail;
• The ability to take ownership of, and simultaneously advance, multiple initiatives, and meet expectations;
• The ability to achieve desired objectives in a relatively new and growing agency through patience, creative thinking, flexibility, and mission-driven approaches;
• An interest in mastering new areas, and the capability to do so;
• The ability to achieve results by working independently and with self-reliance;
• The ability to work with others efficiently and effectively;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; an appreciation for teamwork and collegiality; and an ability to interact well with people at all levels within the Commission, stakeholders, outside counsel, outside vendors, and members of the public;
• An appreciation of the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and of the importance conducting oneself respectfully and sensitively with people of different backgrounds;
• A willingness to perform routine administrative duties as needed; and

• A commitment to adhere to the "Residency and Work Location" requirements stated above.

OTHER VALUED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

The Commission will also look favorably on a candidate’s experience or familiarity with any of the following areas:

•           Public sector law;
• Labor and employment law;
• The Open Meeting Law, the Conflict-of-Interest Law, and the Administrative Procedure Act;
• Court litigation;
• Administrative agency adjudications and informal hearings;
• Contracting and procurement;
• Professional licensure and discipline;
•           Investigations and audits;
•           Legislative affairs and government relations;
•           Legal compliance initiatives;
•           Public policy analysis and development;
•           Internal policy development;
•           Starting up or building a new entity;
•           Supervising others;
•           Training and presenting to colleagues and others;
•           Editing the written work of others.
•          Digital content creation and electronic system development;
•           E-discovery platforms; and
•           Salesforce platforms.