Deputy Chief Information Officer

The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS), located in Topeka, is more than a pension system — we’re a people-focused organization committed to supporting Kansas public employees throughout their careers and into retirement. We provide disability, death, and lifetime retirement benefits that protect those who dedicate their work to serving the public. Why You'll Love Working Here Are you an accomplished IT leader with a passion for building reliable, secure technology environments and developing high-performing teams? Do you thrive on solving complex operational challenges while delivering exceptional customer service? Are you an innovative leader who believes technology succeeds through collaboration, communication, and people? We are seeking a Deputy Chief Information Officer (Deputy CIO) to serve as the operational leader of our Information Technology organization. This is an opportunity to shape the future of enterprise technology while leading a talented team dedicated to delivering secure, resilient, and customer-focused technology services. Working alongside a supportive and collaborative Chief Information Officer, you will have the opportunity to influence strategy, modernize technology operations, mentor future leaders, and build an IT organization recognized for operational excellence and trusted partnerships across the enterprise. What You’ll Do The Deputy Chief Information Officer (Deputy CIO) serves as the second-in-command to the Chief Information Officer and leads the day-to-day execution and operational performance of the Information Technology organization. This position serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership by providing clear communication regarding technology performance, operational readiness, service quality, and organizational risk. Working in close partnership with the CIO, the Deputy CIO translates strategic priorities into operational execution—ensuring technology investments align with business needs while maintaining operational stability across both legacy and modern platforms. Lead IT Operations Provide executive leadership for daily IT operations across enterprise infrastructure, cloud services, applications, and end-user support. Ensure technology services are secure, reliable, resilient, and aligned with organizational priorities. Foster a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and customer-focused service delivery. Drive Service Excellence Establish and monitor service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational metrics. Lead the maturity of IT Service Management (ITSM) practices, including incident, problem, change, and release management. Continuously improve service quality, responsiveness, and the end-user experience. Oversee Enterprise Technology Delivery Provide executive oversight for enterprise applications, infrastructure, and technology services. Ensure technology solutions align with enterprise architecture, governance, and business objectives. Balance operational stability with modernization initiatives and digital transformation efforts. Cybersecurity & Risk Management Partner with security leadership to maintain a secure technology environment. Oversee vulnerability management, patch management, secure configurations, and operational security controls. Ensure audit readiness and compliance with applicable State, regulatory, and organizational standards. Lead Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Direct the planning, testing, and continuous improvement of Disaster Recovery (DR) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) programs. Ensure organizational readiness through regular testing, documentation, and reporting. Modernize Infrastructure & Cloud Operations Lead enterprise infrastructure operations across on-premises and hybrid cloud environments. Identify opportunities to improve scalability, reliability, security, and cost efficiency. Evaluate emerging technologies that enhance operational performance and business value. Manage Strategic Vendor Partnerships Oversee vendor relationships to ensure accountability, quality, responsiveness, and value. Partner with procurement and executive leadership to maximize vendor performance and service outcomes. Manage Financial & Operational Resources Partner with the CIO to develop and manage the IT operating budget. Optimize staffing, technology investments, and operational resources. Identify efficiencies while maintaining exceptional service levels. Develop High-Performing Teams Inspire, mentor, and develop IT managers and technical staff. Build a culture centered on accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Support succession planning, workforce development, and leadership growth. Foster modern IT capabilities including cloud technologies, automation, DevOps, cybersecurity, and operational excellence. IT Leadership & Governance Serve as the CIO's primary operational partner. Communicate technology performance, risks, priorities, and recommendations to executive leadership. Support IT governance, policy development, audit activities, and organizational decision-making. What We’re Looking For The ideal candidate is a collaborative and approachable leader with a strong infrastructure and IT operations background who is equally passionate about technology and people. Qualifications and Requirements Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in information technology with at least five years of management responsibilities providing infrastructure, security, and disaster recovery for information technology systems. A bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, business administration or related field may be substituted for four years of required experience in information technology. A master’s degree in computer science, information systems, business administration or related field may be substituted for two years of required management experience. Additionally, candidates should have the following skills and abilities: Operational Leadership: Proven ability to run IT operations with accountability for performance, reliability, and service delivery. Commitment to excellent customer service. Service Management Expertise: Strong understanding of ITSM practices and performance-based service delivery models Technology Oversight: Broad knowledge of infrastructure, applications, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems sufficient to guide teams and vendors DevOps & Delivery Awareness: Understanding of modern delivery practices, including CI/CD, release management, and environment governance Security & Risk Awareness: Knowledge of cybersecurity practices, risk management, and regulatory compliance requirements Vendor Management: Ability to hold vendors accountable and ensure transparency in delivery and performance Business Alignment: Strong business acumen with the ability to align IT services to organizational needs Financial Management: Experience managing budgets, optimizing costs, and aligning resources to priorities Communication & Influence: Ability to clearly communicate technical and operational information to executive and non-technical audiences Analytical & Problem Solving: Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to assess risk, identify issues, and drive resolution Relationship Development: Ability to maintain positive working relationships with a diverse group of people and to work effectively within a team. Strong commitment to excellent customer service. Why Join KPERS? This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on an organization that values innovation, operational excellence, and exceptional public service. You'll work alongside a supportive executive leadership team, lead talented professionals, influence enterprise technology strategy, and help build the next generation of IT leaders. If you're ready to lead with integrity, inspire others, and build secure, reliable technology services that make a difference, we encourage you to apply. Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 receive Disability Preference – applicants must apply for this job through the State of Kansas Careers Center at 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. To receive Veterans Preference – applicants must apply for this job through the State of Kansas Careers Center at 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.