Job Vacancy Announcement- Open Records Unit Manager

The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the day-to-day operation of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Capitol Police and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD). We currently have a challenging and rewarding opportunity for an Open Records Unit Manager in the Legal Services Division.

The Legal Services Office provides assistance to the Commissioner and to the employees of the Department concerning matters associated with the daily operations of the Department and serves as the primary liaison with the Office of the Attorney General. This position reports to the agency’s Director of Legal Services.

The Georgia Open Records Act opens to public inspection records maintained by most governmental bodies and agencies or private companies carrying out governmental functions. In general, all records, in whatever form maintained, including books, maps, tapes, photographs, and computer-based information, which are prepared and maintained or which are received in the course of operation of a public office or agency are defined as public records. All public records are open to the general public and subject to personal inspection, and copying, at a reasonable time and place.

The Department of Public Safety, in the interest of compliance with the Georgia Open Records Act, created the Open Records Unit within the Legal Services Division.  The Open Records Unit exists to provide prompt, courteous, high-quality customer service to individuals seeking access to government records pursuant to the law.  The Open Records Unit presents a deadline oriented, professional and fast-paced working environment 

Key responsibilities:

• Carries a working caseload, requiring the review and docketing of requests, determining and gathering information from department personnel and providing timely documentary and verbal responses to inquiries.
• Manages the Department’s compliance with the Georgia Open Records Act, including providing guidance and training to Department employees.
• Manages the Department's response to subpoenas for documents and other document requests.
• Serves as custodian of Department records and maintains current list of records custodians. 
• Supervises staff in the delivery of related services. 
• Communicates effectively with agency executive management and/or command staff, court personnel, other agencies and the public.
• Ensures efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy of all Open Records related functions through the use of computer systems and management controls.
• Manages the Open Records staff and performs the associated administrative activities.
• Performs job responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Serves as job expert or organization resource in assigned areas.

Required Personal Characteristics:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to function in a fast paced environment and manage multiple projects
• Ability to effectively plan and prioritize multiple assignments to meet established deadlines.
• High integrity and honesty.
• Strong commitment to providing superior customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion.
• Positive attitude and high-levels of personal commitment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND Two years of experience managing professional level staff OR Six years of related professional experience AND Two years managing professional level staff. Note: An equivalent combination of education and job specific experience that provided the knowledge, experience and competencies required to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted on a year-over-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

•     State government experience

•     Experience responding to Open Records requests

•     Experience working in a law enforcement agency

Instructions to apply for this position:

1.     Click on   https://ga.taleo.net/careersection/ga_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=ADM02SY

Application deadline: Open until filled  

Only applicants chosen for interview will be contacted. This is an unclassified position unless filled by a classified employee.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Employees and applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, natural origin, age, disability or genetic information.