Public Disclosure Analyst

As a Public Disclosure Analyst, you will facilitate compliance with the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) by responding to public disclosure requests and providing records to the public. You will also contribute to the Port’s goals of maintaining transparency and providing the fullest assistance to the public by providing timely access to relevant information and records.

• You will manage a caseload of complex requests and consistently communicate with requestor regarding their records requests in a professional manner, convey dates of next installment, request clarification, and coordinate in-person review of records as necessary.

• You will communicate and coordinate with the Public Disclosure Manager and Senior Port Counsel as needed regarding workload and processing sensitive and complex requests.

• You will conduct voluminous and thorough searches for records by coordinating with staff agencywide and through eDiscovery using Purview for public disclosure request and for subpoenas/discovery related to litigation as needed.

• You will coordinate with outside counsel, paralegals and consultants retained by the Port that may be necessary for large public disclosure requests and litigation purposes.

• You will review, interpret and analyze case law and redact exempt information from records per applicable exemptions under the Public Records Act and other statutes as needed and create exemption and withholding logs.

• You will learn and capably use various software programs such as Purview, SMARSH and Discovery Accelerator to aid in Public Disclosure work including search and review of emails, text messages, and instant messages.

• You will coordinate the completion of the annual Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) report which documents a variety of public disclosure performance metrics including information on cost, staff time, and response time.

• You will proactively participate in learning opportunities, including workshops and webinars hosted by MRSC and WAPRO.

• Experienced – You have three (3) years of experience responding to public disclosure requests in the government sector or legal field.

• Desired – We hope you have a bachelor’s degree in library or information science, political science, public policy or business administration. We hope you have a Paralegal certificate and/or you are a certified Public Records Officer through WAPRO.

• Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.

• Public Disclosure Expertise – You have knowledge of the Washington Public Records Act and RCW 42.56, including exemptions, recent case law, and legal guidance such as attorney-client privilege. You are aware of emerging trends and technologies in public disclosure and understand related laws like Washington State Preservation and Destruction of Public Records law, RCW 40.14 and HIPAA. You are also familiar with records collection processes and federal security regulations, including those related to aviation security and public disclosure.

• Technical Expertise — You have proficiency using tools such as SMARSH, NextRequest, Discovery Accelerator-Vault, Microsoft eDiscovery, SharePoint, OneDrive, Adobe Acrobat, and the full Microsoft Office Suite.

• Critical Thinker — You excel at conducting thorough research and gathering data using independent judgement in legally mandated and highly sensitive matters. You can think independently and anticipate next steps in complex projects.

• Efficient Communicator – You possess effective verbal, written, and active listening communication skills. You can analyze and synthesize information from a variety of sources and communicate key concepts simply and effectively to a broad audience including executive leadership, Port Commission, and the general public.

• Multi-Tasker – You can multi-task and handle many requests and questions regarding multiple subjects at once. You have strong time management skills to coordinate dozens of requests as well as the ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate resources to get the work done accurately and timely. 

• Proactive Problem-Solver – You exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive issues and situations. You influence others to achieve understanding and commitment to act in support of programs. You can also resolve conflicts, tactfully de-escalate challenging interactions, and work effectively in situations involving uncertainty or lack of information and respond flexibly to change.