Join the KPERS Team as an Assistant IT Security Officer

Protect What Matters. Enable What Works. Serve the Public Good.

The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Assistant IT Security Officer to help safeguard the sensitive information of more than 300,000 public servants—both current employees and retirees—who rely on KPERS every day.

At KPERS, located in Topeka, Kansas, we're proud to serve those who serve our communities. We provide vital disability and death benefits to protect public employees during their careers—and ensure they enjoy lifetime benefits when they retire. Our members come from all walks of life and professions, united by a shared commitment to serving Kansans.

Why You'll Love Working Here

This is a senior-level, hands-on technical security role for someone who believes strong security and great customer service are partners. If you're passionate about protecting information and supporting business processes, enjoy collaboration, and want your work to directly support public-sector employees, we'd love to meet you.

At KPERS, information security isn't just about technology—it's about trust. Our members include teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other public servants across Kansas. You'll play a key role in protecting their data while supporting a responsive, service-oriented pension system.

What You'll Do

The Assistant Information Security Officer is responsible for executing information security policies, procedures, and standards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of KPERS information and systems.

• Threat Intelligence: Monitoring and analyzing security events and alerts across networks, endpoints, and cloud infrastructure.
• Incident Response: Investigate, respond to, and resolve security incidents, ensuring timely detection, containment, and mitigation. Document and report security events and incidents.
• Compliance: Stay informed with information security compliance requirements. Inform the CISO of new or updated requirements.
• Security Audits: Conduct security audits, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests to identify and address security weaknesses. Provide supporting evidence and explanation to auditors evaluating information security.
• Security Awareness: Participate in security awareness initiatives to foster a security-first culture. Develop and implement information security awareness training sessions for employees.
• Research Technology: Evaluate and recommend innovative security technologies to address evolving threats.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work collaboratively with technical and non-technical teams, effectively communicating security risks and solutions.
• Documentation: Document and update security policies & procedures, networks, systems, application diagrams, flow charts, data centers, risk register, risk assessments, and disaster recovery plans.
• Security Risk Assessments: Analyze projects, hardware, software and procedures for information security risks. Identify the possible impacts and mitigation strategies. Present findings and recommendations in a professional manor.
• Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management: Assessing vendor and third-party security practices and evaluation to see if they meet the information security requirements.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Planning, developing, documenting, implementing, testing Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity strategies.
• Technical Support: Provide technical support for staff and other business partners.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for self-motived candidates with a passion for learning and desire to provide value for protection of KPERS information services and a commitment to customer service. You must be able to maintain positive working relationships with team members across the organization.

Experience Required

Four years working in a senior-level information security position with experience in security analysis, incident response, and security configurations within an enterprise information technology environment. Or a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field and two years of working in a senior-level information security position.

Certifications Required

At least one relevant certification such as CISSP, CISM, CISA or CCSP is required or must be obtained within two years of hire date.

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced level of knowledge of information security strategies and technologies used for the protection of information.
• Understanding operating system fundamentals and security aspects of operating systems.
• Understanding of identity and access management systems.
• Experience with security event management systems.
• Understanding of TCP/IP, networking fundamentals, and network security.
• Knowledge of endpoint protection applications such as antivirus, anti-spyware, and file integrity monitoring technologies.
• Experience managing firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).
• Understanding security incident analysis and response.
• Ability to research complex technical issues and solve problems.
• Ability to provide expert analysis and recommendations to prevent successful threats.
• Ability to communicate complex technical language to users in an understandable manner.
• Commitment to the team concept and ability to work effectively within a team.
• High standards and a sense of urgency.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

To protect the personal health information of candidates, the Kansas Department of Administration tracks disability preference for all State agencies. Health information is not collected at the individual State agency level. Therefore to receive Disability Preference – applicants must apply for this job through the State of Kansas Careers Center at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs. The Kansas Department of Administration will inform KPERS of your preference. View all jobs, then filter by our name – Ks Public Employees Retirement System.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference on the Kansas Department of Administration website.

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

The Kansas Department of Administration tracks veteran's preference for all State agencies. This information is not collected at the individual State agency level. Therefore to receive Veteran's Preference – applicants must apply for this job through the State of Kansas Careers Center at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs. The Kansas Department of Administration will inform KPERS of your preference. View all jobs, then filter by our name – Ks Public Employees Retirement System.

Learn more about claiming Veteran's Preference Learn on the Kansas Department of Administration website