Administrative Assistant and FOIA Officer

The County of Amherst is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Administrative Assistant/FOIA Officer to join our County Administration team. This position plays a key role in supporting daily operations, maintaining positive public interactions, and ensuring compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and writing skills while representing the County with professionalism and exceptional customer service. This is a full-time position with full county benefits.
Salary starting at $40,000+ to commensurate with experience and relevant qualifications.

About the Position
The Administrative Assistant/FOIA Officer provides general administrative and clerical support to County Administration staff. Responsibilities include greeting and assisting visitors, managing incoming calls and mail, maintaining electronic and manual records, preparing reports, supporting public meeting processes, and coordinating community events. This position also serves as the County’s appointed FOIA Officer and assists various boards and committees in fulfilling public reporting requirements.
Work is performed under moderate supervision and reports directly to the Executive Assistant to the County Administrator.
The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm with a half hour lunch.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Promote professional, ethical, and courteous customer service as a representative of Amherst County
• Receive and assist visitors; direct them to appropriate staff or offices
• Screen, refer, and provide routine information to incoming callers
• Maintain and schedule meeting rooms within the County Administration building
• Process incoming and outgoing mail for the County Administration office
• Enter, update, and verify information in computerized databases and record systems
• Maintain manual and electronic files while ensuring confidentiality and appropriate access control
• Monitor copy/mail room operations, supplies, and service needs
• Prepare typed and word-processed documents, ensuring accuracy and adherence to style and formatting requirements
• Serve as the County’s appointed FOIA Officer: receive, log, distribute, and ensure timely response to FOIA requests
• Assist clerks of boards, commissions, and committees with FOIA-related responsibilities
• Maintain updated rosters of County boards and committees; coordinate vacancy notices, appointments, interviews, and follow-up communications
• Cross-train and collaborate with the Executive Assistant/Assistant Clerk; provide backup support for meeting preparation, agendas, minutes, and public notices
• Assist with scheduling, coordinating, and preparing for community events involving County staff
• Perform additional administrative or support duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:
• Standard office practices, procedures, and administrative support techniques
• Business English, spelling, grammar, and arithmetic
• Government programs, policies, and public administration
• Computer software and electronic communication tools (including website and social media platforms)

Skills & Abilities:
• Type accurately; take and transcribe notes with strong composition skills
• Follow detailed oral and written instructions
• Make arithmetic calculations accurately
• Understand and interpret complex policies, procedures, and materials
• Operate standard office equipment and produce technical documents
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing
• Provide courteous, positive, and helpful customer service
• Maintain effective working relationships with public officials, colleagues, and the general public
• Strong writing skills are required

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and administrative support experience
• Proficiency with personal computers, word processing and data software, and digital communication tools
• Strong writing skills are essential

Physical Requirements

• Ability to occasionally exert up to 15 pounds of force
• Mostly sedentary work with periods of standing or walking
• Normal vision and hearing required for office work and communication
• Frequent preparation and review of written or computer-based information
• Work is performed in a standard office environment with moderate noise levels

Special Requirements

• Valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia

Amherst County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.