This role supports the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) Office of Privacy and Open Government (OPOG) in strengthening its FOIA and privacy programs. Key priorities include helping the Department reduce its FOIA backlog, improve response times for FOIA and Privacy Act requests, and ensure compliance with federal privacy requirements. The selected candidate will contribute to efforts such as drafting and reviewing privacy policies, publishing system of records notices (SORNs), coordinating breach response activities, and reviewing privacy impact assessments and authorization packages for systems handling personally identifiable information.

This position supports the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) Office of Privacy and Open Government (OPOG), which oversees the Department’s compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Privacy Act, and related federal privacy and information security laws. The office is responsible for coordinating privacy impact assessments, ensuring privacy considerations are integrated into system security processes, and developing policies that meet statutory and government-wide requirements. It also leads Department-wide councils and task forces related to privacy and FOIA operations.

As a FOIA Analyst supporting the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Privacy and Open Government, you will play a key role in ensuring the Department’s compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act of 1974. Your responsibilities will include:

FOIA & Privacy Act Request Processing

• Intake, log, and process FOIA and Privacy Act requests using the agency’s case management system.

• Review requests for completeness and clarity; communicate with requesters to seek clarification as needed.

• Coordinate records searches with program offices to identify responsive documents.

• Review and analyze responsive records, apply applicable FOIA and Privacy Act exemptions, and prepare redacted versions for release.

• Use eDiscovery and redaction tools (e.g., Relativity, Microsoft Purview) to facilitate efficient document processing.

• Contribute to the office’s FOIA backlog reduction and litigation support efforts.

• Support statutory reporting by compiling data and running reports from FOIA case management systems.

Privacy Compliance Support

• Assist in drafting and reviewing Privacy Act Statements and System of Records Notices (SORNs) to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and policies.

• Support the development of privacy documentation such as Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) and system authorization packages.

• Contribute to the implementation and assessment of privacy controls in accordance with NIST guidance (e.g., SP 800-37, SP 800-53).

• Help maintain and review privacy notices, internal policies, and procedures to support privacy program goals.

Collaboration & Communication

• Engage with internal stakeholders, including legal counsel, program staff, and senior privacy officials, to coordinate request processing and ensure accuracy.

• Communicate professionally with requesters, submitters, and the public regarding FOIA and Privacy Act requests.

Training & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in training related to FOIA processing, privacy policy, and system tools.

• Provide input on process improvement opportunities and support implementation of updated procedures.

• Maintain awareness of changes in FOIA law, privacy policies, and federal guidance to ensure ongoing compliance.

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience interpreting and applying the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended), and related federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to assess and determine access to records, apply exemptions, and draft appropriate responses.

• At least two (2) years of experience processing FOIA requests using automated tools such as eDiscovery platforms (e.g., Relativity, Microsoft Purview, etc.)

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Access) and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Law, Public Administration, Information Science, Paralegal Studies).

Work Location & Schedule:

This is a full-time, on-site position located at 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. Regular remote or telework flexibility is not offered for this role. While occasional flexibility may be approved on a case-by-case basis, the selected candidate must be physically present on-site Monday through Friday.

Start and end times are flexible; however, all staff must be on-site from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST each day, with a lunch break permitted during that window.

This position is part of a government contract with a base year and four option years, with the potential to extend through 2030 based on performance. Strong performers will have the opportunity for long-term stability and continued professional growth in support of a high-visibility federal program.

At Ardent Eagle Solutions, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees and their families:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
• Matching 401(k) Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance
• Paid Time Off

This job description is intended to describe the general scope of work and level of work that is needed to perform while on task with Ardent Eagle Solutions. Other duties may be assigned. Selected candidates may undergo a government security investigation and must fulfill eligibility criteria for accessing classified information. US citizenship may be a prerequisite for certain roles.
 
Ardent Eagle Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer