OPEN GOVERNMENT ANALYST
Category: Full-Time
Status: Open
Hourly: Min. $28.838 - Mid. $36.047
Published: March 10, 2026
Closing: Until Filled
DEFINITION
The Open Government Analyst performs a role for the City subject to a great deal of statutory regulation and legal requirements due to its responsibility for the City’s administration of the Texas Local Government Records Act and the Texas Public Information Act. This position performs administrative and technical duties for the implementation, updating, and maintenance of the City’s records and information management program and is a highly responsible and complex support position in the City Secretary’s office. This records and information management expert is responsible for determining regulatory and administrative requirements in accordance with adopted retention schedules and applicable policies, and local, state, and federal law. Under the direction of the City Secretary, the Open Government Analyst serves as the Records Manager as directed by the City’s records management program.
The position works with staff Citywide to effect processes for creation, usage, maintenance, storage and preservation, retrieval, disposition, and destruction of City records.
Under the direction of the City Secretary, the OGA is also responsible for overseeing the processing of Public Information Requests in accordance to the Texas Public Information Act. The position coordinates the appropriate compilation, review, redaction, invoicing, and release of requested information from across the organization. These processes may involve statutory review, consultation with the City Attorney’s Office, and correspondence with the Texas Office of the Attorney General.
The position is distinguished from other records-related staff and employees who respond to public information requests by the increased levels of complexity and responsibility of duties. Although the Open Government Analyst is expected to coordinate with the City Secretary (who is the Records Management Officer, per the City’s records management program) and keep the City Secretary informed of the Analyst’s activities, the position is authorized to exercise a high level of independent decision making authority and autonomy in the position’s duties. The Analyst has a high level of discretion in the position’s work with department/division processes, auditing, and training and should exert a level of work supervision in interactions with records liaisons across the organization.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
High impact to organization due to statutory responsibility in appropriate administration of the Texas Local Government Records Act and the Texas Public Information Act across the City.
By City Ordinance 202-2576, the City Secretary and subordinate staff report directly to the La Porte City Council.
Knowledge of records and information management practices and procedures with specific ability cycles.
Detailed knowledge of the requirements of the Texas Local Government Records Act, Texas Public Information Act, Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Election Code, other Texas statute, and City of La Porte Charter and Code of Ordinances, and discretion in understanding their proper application.
Knowledge of records and information management theory and practice; the design, implementation, and management of a records management program; of records management laws, regulations, rules, policies and procedures; and of principles and concepts of information governance of various phases of records and information management.
Analyst will train and consult with:
- Texas State Library and Archives Commission representatives on statutory changes, retention schedule modifications, and amendment to City procedures and TSLAC filings, as necessary.
- The Office of the Texas Attorney General in requesting letter rulings, construing statute, and adherence to their additional procedural stipulations.
- The Texas Secretary of State’s Office, the Harris County Voter Registrar, and the Harris County Elections Administrator to properly administer elections, resolve voter issues, and address election concerns and inquiries.
Comprehensive knowledge of electronic/digital records and information management principles and practices.
Skill to effectively perform managerial responsibilities and the ability to communicate ideas, facts and technical information accurately, thoroughly, and in a manner easily understood.
Use independent judgment in the performance of job responsibilities and have a thorough knowledge of technical and legal information regarding relevant state-mandated duties for which the City Secretary’s Office is responsible.
Position requires initiative, independent thinking, and problem solving skills. Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and work closely with others as part of a team. Required to meet deadlines imposed by office procedure, local ordinances, and state and federal regulations.
Cross trains across all general categories of duties of the City Secretary’s Office in order to efficiently serve the Council, the public, and the organization as needed and as noted elsewhere in this document, in addition to:
- Administrative functions for the City Council and as regards their meetings
- Public Information Office, with respect to media relations and communication
- Board/Committee/Commission member management
- Custodian for proper application of the City Seal
- Processing of alcoholic beverage license applications, in compliance with TABC
- Issuance of permits and licenses (solicitor permits/registrations; wrecker permits)
- Other responsibilities as directed by the City Charter, state law, and the City Council
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the City Secretary and Deputy City Secretary.
The position exercises direct supervision over the creation, usage, maintenance, storage and preservation, retrieval, disposition, and destruction of City records and the training and coordination with departmental/division records liaisons.
Supervises the Senior Administrative Assistant on a routine basis.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Records and information management
- Coordinate, facilitate, and oversee the management of the City’s records program, including the processing, indexing, imaging, and filing of all city records.
- Serve on any City technology governance or oversight committee.
- Design, development, and provide ongoing support and maintenance of comprehensive electronic document management. Make the document repository accessible within the organization for greater efficiency.
- Create office and departmental forms for process improvement and to eliminate document redundancy. Supervise version management, archiving, documentation, and retention schedule compliance.
- Provide training and education for compliance with records and information management policies, procedures, and relevant law and regulation, and best practices.
- Develop appropriate policies and procedures to ensure records are managed throughout their life cycles and guarantee proper disposition upon completion of retention periods. Identify and properly secure records that are to be preserved for historical and research purposes or that are temporarily exempted from destruction due to legal holds or other considerations.
- Supervise and facilitate departmental/divisional records audits (confirming records integrity and accessibility), records inventories, identification of essential records, and maintenance of records disaster recovery plans.
- Public information request management
- Coordinate Citywide responses to public information requests utilizing applicable software platforms and the provisions of the Public Information Act and other statute, review responsive materials, prepare responsive correspondence to requestor or OAG, and seek internal legal consultation as applicable.
- Assist the public with records policies and procedures in accordance with related statutory process requirements.
- Research, compile, review and maintain data for various reports, projects, and tracking systems.
- Elections - Must be willing and able to complete training and capably serve in a variety of roles in the planning and execution of municipal elections.
- Emergency management - Must be willing and able to complete training and available to participate as part of the Public Information Officer’s team in emergency management activations.
- Perform related duties and special projects as assigned (i.e. – update forms and procedures, vault index research, organize all areas – master files, workroom and office area).
- Participate in the development, recommendation, and implementation of City Secretary’s Office departmental goals and objectives.
- Adheres to City safety policies to prevent unnecessary or unreasonable risk of injury to self, others, or property and can safely operate a vehicle to run City-related errands.
- Presents a professional appearance. Should exhibit appropriate grooming and attire for the position and responsibility.
- Duties listed are intended as illustrations of various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
For indefinite periods of time - mobility within an office environment; writing; walking; typing; twisting body; stooping; standing; squatting; sorting; sitting; seeing; filing; reading; decision making; lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds; reaching above shoulder level; using both hands for simple and firm grasping; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, in person, in writing, and by telephone; fine finger manipulation; operation of office equipment, computers, copiers, fax machines, telephone, and a motor vehicle through city traffic.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Windows 2010, Office 365, and their applications, and later versions of the same.
- Appropriate usage of the English language, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Modern office methods, procedures, equipment, and writing business correspondence.
- Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
- Organization, procedures, and operating details of the City Council and the City Secretary’s office.
Able to:
- Comprehend and apply records and information management principles and practices, including digital preservation.
- Communicate effectively and efficiently on a professional level in interpersonal situations, including making presentations, establishing rapport, and eliciting cooperation from others.
- Exhibit proficiency with technical writing and an aptitude for compiling and analyzing many types of data, including the preparation of comprehensive and detailed reports.
- Maintain and archive City records.
- Train staff and system users in complex and routine procedures related to records and information management.
- Learn, utilize, and select appropriate electronic and digital resources for records and information management and the processing of public information requests.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Five years of increasingly responsible records and information management experience, including one year of supervisory responsibility. Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience and knowledge required; municipal experience beneficial.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid Texas Driver’s License.
Must hold or be eligible to receive a Texas Notary Public Commission.
Texas Registered Municipal Clerk (TRMC) certification/recertification is preferred. If not held, employee must be able to complete within first five years in position and must maintain recertification.
Records and information management certification from ICRM, ARMA, NAGARA, NARA, AIIM, or equivalent preferred. If not held, employee will work with supervisor to determine which certification(s) to pursue as part of employment and the appropriate timeline for completion.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice.
