Compliance Analyst

Position Purpose:

Compliance and Risk Services plans, organizes, and directs all University-wide risk management functions, including: 

• Civil Rights Compliance

• Risk Management & Records Compliance

• Compliance Services 

• Privacy & Technology 

At the request of thePublicRecordsOfficer,theCompliance Analystposition isadelegatedresponsibility forpublicrecordsrequests of a more complexnature. The role involves reviewing and analyzingthe Washington State Public Records Act, HIPAA,FERPA, tradesecret and intellectual property laws, and other state and federal statutes.The ComplianceAnalyst works closely with faculty and staff, asappropriate,todetermineif anyportionof the records may be exempted under these statutes or under case law.

This role also collaborates with internal and external customers to help them understand the Public Records Act, including their obligations and the University’s responsibilities in responding to public records requests. Additionally, the position prepares statistics and reports at the request of theoffice’s management.

Position Responsibilities:

Records Review/Legal Analysis 

• Manage a caseload of complex, high‑risk public records requests,identifyingresponsive departments, faculty, and staff and ensuring complete and compliant collection of records.

• Analyze applicable state and federal laws (e.g., Public Records Act,Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA),Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act(FERPA), tradesecret/Intellectualpropertylaws) todeterminerequired disclosures and exemptions; conduct independent legal research as needed.

• Review a wide variety of sensitive information, including scientific research data, proprietary business materials, patient and student information, privileged legal documents, police and HR investigation records, and regulated research committee data (e.g.,Institutional Bio‑Safety Committee).

• Monitor legal deadlines, assess risks, document findings, and escalate legal, financial, or reputational concerns to management. Support or delegate casework across the team when necessary.

Legal Correspondence 

• Communicate professionally and independently with internal staff and external stakeholders, including the public, attorneys, media, and advocacy groups, using discretion and strategic judgment.

• Draft, edit, and issue legally significant correspondence and documentation on behalf of the University, often addressing complex or sensitive issues.

Administrative Tasks 

• Maintain and oversee complex systems for managing paper and electronic public records, including scanning, conversion, uploading, and quality control.

• Delegate administrative responsibilities to unit staff whenappropriate.

Open Public Meetings 

• Support compliance with open public meeting requirements by preparing and distributing annual meeting notices, managing mailing lists, and issuing regular and special meeting notices as required by law.

Requirements:

Equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have beenacquiredmay substitute fordegree.

Position requires excellent judgment and analytical skills.

Must be able to work with high volumes under strict legal deadlines.

Needs excellent writing skills and must haveexcellentattention to detail.

Demonstratedexperience in working on diverse groups and teams; respects, values, and contributes to UW’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Desired:

Those with backgrounds in freedom of information, public relations, records management or library sciences, public policy, or the law may find this position of special interest.

Experience with the Washington State Sunshine Laws or other FOIstatutes is preferred, as is work in any compliance operation.

We will begin screening completed application materials upon receipt through the close date.