What are the responsibilities and job description for the FOIA Research & Request Specialist position at NIA Production?
We are hiring an experienced FOIA Research & Request Specialist to help us obtain bodycam footage, dashcam videos, 911 calls, police reports, court records, and other public records that fuel millions of YouTube views every month.
This is NOT an entry level research role. We're looking for someone who has hands-on experience submitting and managing FOIA and public records requests in the United States.
What You'll Do
• Research newsworthy incidents across the U.S. with strong storytelling potential
• Submit FOIA and state public records requests to law enforcement agencies and government offices
• Acquire bodycam footage, dashcam footage, 911 recordings, police reports, investigative files, and related records
• Track request statuses, appeal denials when appropriate, and follow up with agencies
• Maintain organized documentation and build a consistent pipeline of high quality content for our production team
Requirements
✔ Previous experience submitting successful FOIA or state public records requests
✔ Strong knowledge of U.S. FOIA and state public records laws
✔ Experience communicating with police departments, sheriff's offices, prosecutors, and other government agencies
✔ Excellent online research and investigative skills
✔ Highly organized with the ability to manage dozens of active requests simultaneously
✔ Strong written English communication
Nice to Have
• Background in journalism, investigative research, legal research, or documentary production
• Experience obtaining records for media organizations or YouTube channels
• Familiarity with court records and public databases
If you've successfully acquired public records before and know how to navigate the FOIA process, we'd love to hear from you.