Legislative Officer/OPRA
Job Summary
Assists Senior Legislative Officer/Open Public Records Custodian in coordinating EDA’s statutorily mandated responses to requests for public information and handles other relevant legal issues.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Supports Open Public Records Custodian; coordinates and administers EDA’s response to public record requests through the gathering and culling of information and the establishment of relationships with requestors, co-workers and deputy attorneys general to meet EDA’s statutory obligation to the public.
- Helps to manage the assignment and oversight of EDA staff, when necessary, to respond to complex discovery demands, subpoenas or OPRA requests.
- Supports the Open Public Records Custodian with other responsibilities, including the tracking of public record requests, legal reviews and other duties as assigned.
- Promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers.
· Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Must possess advanced research ability and information technology skills
- Ability to prioritize tasks and assignments and meet deadlines
- Must possess knowledge of law, government, business or industry
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, ability to communicate effectively with general public, news media and various professionals such as lawyers;
- Detail oriented with strong organizational, record keeping and negotiation skills;
- Ability to work independently and with professionals of various disciplines as well as staff at various levels
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality and deal effectively and diplomatically with business professionals and EDA staff
- Demonstrates respectful behavior and promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, knowledge of Access helpful, and ability to learn new software packages
Required Qualifications
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or equivalent experience. Juris Doctorate preferred
- Minimum 2 – 5 years experience in a legal capacity or in a professional/ management position and/or equivalent professional experience
- Prior experience as a law clerk or paralegal desired.
Advanced degree or industry specific certification may be substituted for 1 year of experience
Physical Demands
· Minimal
· Ability to work outside normal business hours, as needed
Travel
· As necessary to events, meetings, businesses, etc.
Certificates and Licenses Required
· Valid driver’s license
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job description. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope, general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.
Your employment at NJEDA is voluntary and subject to termination by you or NJEDA at will, with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time. Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict, eliminate or modify the employment-at-will status of NJEDA employees.
This position is considered exempt and is excluded from minimum wage, overtime regulations, and other rights and protections afforded nonexempt workers under the FLSA.
NJEDA reserves the right to amend/revise this job description as necessary to meet current and changing business needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Position Requirements
· Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011 to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
· Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.