Mandatory Declassification Review Analyst (Part-Time)

Job Title

Mandatory Declassification Review Analyst (Part-Time)

Location

Washington, DC 20037 US (Primary)

Category

Information Management

Job Type

Part-Time

Career Level

Staff

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Travel

Security Clearance Required

Secret

Job Description

OVERVIEW

The Declassification Analyst conducts systematic reviews of classified materials under the MDR program to determine releasability, declassify where appropriate, and protect national security information. The analyst identifies equity holders, applies classification guidance, drafts determinations, manages referrals, and ensures compliance with Department of State policy and federal directives. The role requires meticulous analysis, sound judgment, and excellent stakeholder communication to meet timeliness and quality targets. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Log requests; verify scope, custodians, and records series; assign tracking numbers; manage queues and timelines.

• Evaluate classified records (text, multimedia, email, cables, memoranda) against applicable classification guides, directives, and statutes; determine declassification, partial release, or withholding.
• Identify other agency equities; prepare and track referrals; consolidate responses; reconcile conflicts; maintain comprehensive audit trail.
• Apply appropriate redactions; verify citation and exemption rationale; produce releasable copies and determination letters.
• Follow DOS policies and MDR procedures; adhere to federal requirements (e.g., classification standards, records schedules); maintain chain of custody, version control, and review notes.
• Conduct peer reviews; implement correction actions; contribute to SOPs and job aids; support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with government MDR officers, FOIA/Declassification teams, program management, and external agencies; provide status updates and risk flags.
• Maintain accurate metadata in tracking systems (e.g., case management tools, SharePoint); produce weekly/monthly metrics; support dashboards and briefings.
• Comply with SCIF procedures, marking/derivative classification rules, destruction/transfer protocols, and secure IT usage.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (e.g., International Affairs, History, Information/Library Science, Security Studies, Public Policy) or equivalent experience.
• 2 years (Analyst) or 5 years (Senior Analyst) experience in MDR, FOIA declassification, or classified records review in a federal environment (DOS preferred).
• Demonstrated expertise applying classification/declassification principles, equities identification, and exemption criteria.
• Experience with case management systems, records repositories, and collaboration tools (e.g., FOIAXpress, SharePoint, eRecords, A‑files, cable databases).
• Knowledge of interagency equities and referral processes (e.g., DoD, IC elements, NARA, other federal agencies).
• Familiarity with classification guides, sensitivity markings, dissemination controls, and statutory/regulatory frameworks relevant to declassification and public access.
• Strong analytical writing: ability to draft clear determinations, rationales, and correspondence.
• Ability to work in SCIF or controlled records environments; familiarity with secure handling and chain‑of‑custody practices.
• Possess exceptional communication skills (both oral and written)

We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.