FOI Coordinator

Role overview

Metrolinx, an agency of the Government of Ontario, supports mobility across the Greater Golden Horseshoe through GO Transit, UP Express, PRESTO, and major rapid transit expansion projects. The Insurance, Records Management and FOI Office is hiring a Freedom of Information (FOI) Coordinator for a temporary contract of up to 15 months. This position is based in-office at 20 Bay Street and is intended for a highly collaborative environment where in-person teamwork is an important part of the work.

The successful candidate will lead responses to FOI requests, provide subject matter expertise for Metrolinx’s access to information program, and help ensure compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

Key duties

• Direct the preparation of responses to a large number of complex and sensitive access requests, balancing competing priorities and tight deadlines while assessing policy and FIPPA considerations.
• Manage the request process end to end, including drafting notices, guiding program teams in locating records, reviewing materials for exemptions, meeting with executives, coordinating third-party consultations, preparing briefing packages, and presenting briefings to senior leaders.
• Create, update, and sustain policies, procedures, strategies, and operational practices that support statutory obligations under FIPPA.
• Design and deliver training and workshop content for employees at all levels on FOI legislation, processes, and related updates.
• Prepare the organization’s annual submission to the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s office and complete all publication and reporting duties required under FIPPA.
• Develop concise and well-supported briefing materials and recommendations for contentious files, using records review, legislation, precedent, and sound judgement.
• Advise staff and senior management on access-to-information matters, including requests, decisions, appeals, legal opinions, exemptions, case law, and legislative interpretation.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders on initiatives that must meet access-related legal requirements, government directives, guidelines, and recognized best practices.
• Represent Metrolinx in IPC appeal proceedings, including mediation, adjudication, and written representations.
• Support broader initiatives with FIPPA implications, such as open data, board material publication, data sharing agreements with legal counsel, privacy working groups, records management working groups, and Standing Committee requests.
• Provide responsive and professional customer service to FOI requesters throughout the process, including request clarification, process guidance, status updates, and communication about exemptions and timelines.
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategic priorities and program improvements for the FOI function.

Requirements

• A degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related discipline, or an equivalent mix of education, training, and experience.
• Experience working in the public sector and applying relevant access-to-information legislation, such as FIPPA or comparable municipal/federal legislation.
• Hands-on experience managing a substantial volume of FOI matters.
• Working knowledge of FIPPA and related policies and guidelines is an advantage.
• Experience building operational policies, procedures, best practices, and compliance recommendations for FOI or FIPPA-related programs.
• Strong project coordination and planning ability, including request tracking, workload prioritization, resource coordination, and timeline management.
• Well-developed analytical and evaluation skills for assessing requests, complaints, and issues and providing practical recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, written, and training skills to work effectively with managers, employees, and cross-functional partners and to deliver learning sessions.
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• A criminal record check may be required for the selected candidate.
• For internal applicants, current role tenure of at least 12 months and good standing are required under the Internal Mobility Policy for non-union roles.
• Applicants should use an email address that is monitored daily, as communications will be sent by email and time-sensitive replies are expected.
• If submitted information is found to be misleading, inaccurate, or incomplete, Metrolinx may stop considering the application.

Additional information

This opportunity is intended as a contract/temporary assignment of up to 15 months. Metrolinx emphasizes equity, diversity, inclusion, and accommodation in its hiring process and encourages applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized, women, people with disabilities, and people with diverse gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations. Candidates who do not meet every single qualification are still encouraged to apply if they bring relevant experience and interest in the role.

Reasonable accommodation is available during the hiring process for applicants who need it.

Metrolinx notes that it may choose not to move forward with applicants who do not respond to time-sensitive communication, and only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.