ASSOCIATE COUNSEL - PUBLIC RECORDS - 69793

Executive Service

Background Check:

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Who we are and what we do:

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee. The department is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the public through the operations of its six primary divisions: Tennessee Highway Patrol, Driver Services, Tennessee Highway Safety Office, Office of Homeland Security, Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN), and Administrative Services. Headquartered in Nashville, the department maintains a strong presence statewide with approximately 2,500 employees working across the state.

Job Overview:

This position is responsible for providing legal guidance and support in the management of public records. This role requires an understanding of public records laws, regulations, and best practices. The ideal candidate will work closely with the General Counsel, Legal Division, and other divisions of the Department to ensure compliance and transparency in public records handling. This position reports to a Senior Associate Counsel.

Key Responsibilities:

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

1. Review and respond to public records requests in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
2. Provide legal counsel on matters related to public records and information disclosure.
3. Develop and implement policies and procedures for public records management.
4. Conduct training sessions for staff on public records compliance and best practices.
5. Assist in the preparation and review of documents for disclosure.
6. Coordinate with internal departments to ensure timely and accurate responses to public records requests.
7. Monitor and analyze changes in public records laws and regulations, and advise on their impact.
8. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of public records management technologies and tools.
9. Support litigation and investigations involving public records issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
2. Active membership in good standing with the Tennessee bar association.
3. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in public records law or related field.
4. Strong understanding of federal, state, and local public records laws and regulations.

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume reflecting education and specific positions held, including information relative to the qualifications listed above. Materials should be uploaded and submitted with your application.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.