What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Information Specialist position at University of Arkansas?
Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions.
Students at all University of Arkansas institutions will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students.”
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville students will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Student Jobs at UAF.”
All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).
If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.
Closing Date
07/22/2026
Type Of Position
Administrative Strategy
Workstudy Position
No
Job Type
Regular
Work Shift
Sponsorship Available:
No
Institution Name
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.
The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.
As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.
If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.
For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.
Department
FOI Assistant
Department's Website
Summary of Job Duties:
The Public Information Specialist assists the University’s Public Information Officer in receiving, collecting, reviewing, and providing responsive information to records requests made under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Reviews and processes new and supplemental FOIA inquiries from the public and is responsible for timely processing of university public records responses. Receives and/or initiates telephone calls, letters, or emails pertaining to FOIA requests, including limited clerical guidance to citizens, staff, and faculty over the phone and in person. Reviews and prepares records and digital media for FOIA and ensures responses meet all compliance requirements. Reports to the Public Information Officer with delegated liaison support to other departments.
Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Please upload documentation of your certification as a paralegal, legal secretary, legal researcher, regulatory compliance staff, J.D., or similar experience, if applicable.
Salary Information
Salary starts at $43,923 plus benefits, commensurate with experience
Required Documents To Apply
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume
Optional Documents
Proof of Veteran Status
Recruitment Contact Information
Crystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, ce031@uark.edu
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS
Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Special Instructions To Applicants
Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry
The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Constant Physical Activity
N/A
Frequent Physical Activity
N/A
Occasional Physical Activity
N/A
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Students at all University of Arkansas institutions will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students.”
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville students will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Student Jobs at UAF.”
All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).
If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.
Closing Date
07/22/2026
Type Of Position
Administrative Strategy
Workstudy Position
No
Job Type
Regular
Work Shift
Sponsorship Available:
No
Institution Name
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.
The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.
As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.
If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.
For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.
Department
FOI Assistant
Department's Website
Summary of Job Duties:
The Public Information Specialist assists the University’s Public Information Officer in receiving, collecting, reviewing, and providing responsive information to records requests made under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Reviews and processes new and supplemental FOIA inquiries from the public and is responsible for timely processing of university public records responses. Receives and/or initiates telephone calls, letters, or emails pertaining to FOIA requests, including limited clerical guidance to citizens, staff, and faculty over the phone and in person. Reviews and prepares records and digital media for FOIA and ensures responses meet all compliance requirements. Reports to the Public Information Officer with delegated liaison support to other departments.
Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Experience and proficiency with Office 365 and Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Two or more years of experience in responding to Freedom of Information Act requests or comparable time-sensitive communications; or three years’ experience in a field that requires attention to detail, thoroughness, and fact-checking
- Certification as a paralegal, legal secretary, legal researcher, regulatory compliance staff, J.D., or similar experience
- Proficient in English reading comprehension and grammar usage
- Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills for analyzing information and crafting accurate responses to FOIA requests
- Excellent spelling, punctuation, and proofreading abilities
Please upload documentation of your certification as a paralegal, legal secretary, legal researcher, regulatory compliance staff, J.D., or similar experience, if applicable.
Salary Information
Salary starts at $43,923 plus benefits, commensurate with experience
Required Documents To Apply
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume
Optional Documents
Proof of Veteran Status
Recruitment Contact Information
Crystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, ce031@uark.edu
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS
Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Special Instructions To Applicants
Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry
The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Constant Physical Activity
N/A
Frequent Physical Activity
N/A
Occasional Physical Activity
N/A
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Salary : $43,923