WORK OBJECTIVE:

This position is responsible for supporting the General Counsel by responding to Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”) requests and performing the role of Records Access Officer for the Authority. The position will be a member of both the Legal and FOIL teams, with primary responsibility for records access management and providing legal research and legal opinions. Secondary responsibilities will include litigation and transactional support on an as needed basis. Work is performed under the general direction of the General Counsel and is reviewed through observation, conferences, reports, and evaluation of results achieved.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position. • Assess, gather responsive documentation, and perform review of routine and semi-routine FOIL requests. • Work across the entire organization to identify custodians and collect records in response to FOIL requests. • Proactively track and comply with statutory deadlines. Prepare regular reports of FOIL request traffic. • Analyze laws, regulations, case law, and advisory opinions issued by the Committee on Open Government related to FOIL. • Draft legal analyses relating to FOIL and responses to requests. • Redact records and write responses to accompany sensitive or complex FOILs, including the legal justification for withholding or denying records. • Serve as advisor on technical needs of FOIL processes, including evaluation of processing systems and advising on potential new technology to maintain best in class FOIL compliance. Provide guidance and direction to Information Technology personnel and other staff for purposes of document collection. • Function as a principal advisor/analyst to senior level stakeholders on matters involving collection of records. • Perform a wide variety of tasks for the department on an as-needed-basis, including monitor progress of pending legislation, assist in performing computerized research using Lexis, and provide litigation support.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research, including use of electronic research platforms such as Lexis. Knowledge of the electronic platform utilized to process FOIL requests, GovQA. Thorough knowledge of the laws of New York, institutional law, and public transportation laws, rules, and regulations. Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with government officials, all levels of employees within the organization, external stakeholders, and the general public. Ability to prioritize and work in a deadline driven, fast-paced environment. Excellent technical and computer skills. Proficiency in or ability to learn the Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Must display attention to detail, excellent judgment, and the ability to handle issues and information in the most confidential manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in usual office conditions with rare exposure to disagreeable environmental factors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from an ABA accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree, possession of a State of New York license as a practicing attorney, admission to the New York State Bar, and one (1) to three (3) years of professional experience pertaining to the public sector and governmental law, as well as familiarity with the NY Public Officers Law, Committee on Open Government, and NY CPLR.

NOTE:

TO APPLY Send NFTA employment application, resume and cover letter specifying the job number 041-26-N to: NFTA Human Resources 181 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203 Or email to: application_intake@nfta.com

OTHER:

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply