TechOp Solutions International is seeking a FOIA Litigation and Appeals Analyst to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This position supports the review and processing of complex Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) matters, including litigation and administrative appeals.
The ideal candidate will have at least five years of FOIA experience, ideally including two to three years supporting FOIA appeals and litigation. They will bring strong analytical and writing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to produce accurate, well-supported work while managing competing deadlines.
Responsibilities
- Review and analyze FOIA requests, administrative appeals, litigation case files, and responsive records.
- Evaluate the application of FOIA exemptions and prepare recommended redactions and supporting justifications for government review.
- Review initial determinations, search documentation, and withheld records to assess the issues raised on appeal.
- Analyze search adequacy, segregability, fee determinations, expedited processing, and other relevant case issues.
- Draft appeal response letters, case summaries, and recommendations for government review and approval.
- Assist with preparing administrative records, declarations, Vaughn indices, and other litigation support materials.
- Coordinate with agency personnel and legal counsel to resolve case issues and support document searches, reviews, and productions.
- Track appeal and litigation deadlines, production schedules, case status, and outstanding actions.
- Conduct research on applicable FOIA guidance and decisions to support case analysis.
- Perform quality assurance reviews to ensure records, redactions, and supporting documentation are accurate, complete, and consistent.
- Maintain organized case files and safeguard sensitive information.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- A minimum of five years of experience in federal FOIA processing, review, and analysis.
- Demonstrated experience applying FOIA exemptions, reviewing responsive records, and preparing disclosure recommendations.
- Knowledge of FOIA requirements, administrative appeal procedures, and litigation support processes.
- Strong analytical, research, writing, and editing skills.
- Ability to evaluate complex case documentation and clearly explain findings and recommendations.
- Strong attention to detail when reviewing large volumes of records and preparing case materials.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize work, and meet established deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic document review or redaction tools.
- Ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance. ***Note U.S. Citizenship is required to obtain this clearance***
Preferred Qualifications
- Two to three years of experience supporting FOIA administrative appeals and litigation.
- Experience supporting DHS or a DHS component.
- Experience preparing draft appeal determinations, Vaughn indices, declarations, or administrative records.
- Experience coordinating with agency counsel on complex FOIA matters.