IT Security Specialist I

IT Security Specialist I

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

Job Purpose:

Under general supervision, the IT Security Specialist I assesses and documents critical and important business and technology functions across the Department, working with all areas and key stakeholders. This position performs security and risk assessments, supports security awareness and user training, manages incident response, and carries out other information security governance tasks. The incumbent creates and maintains plans, procedures, and documentation to protect the Department's systems and data, ensuring the agency's ability to provide secure services to staff and schools throughout South Carolina.

Responsibilities:

Security Policy & Compliance (30%)

• Design, implement, maintain, and assess agency information security policies and procedures to comply with existing policies protecting the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of computer systems and associated data.
• Develop and maintain standards and procedures in accordance with State and Agency regulations and/or policy.
• Support data classification, governance, audit, and regulatory compliance activities.

Security Operations & Risk Management (30%)

• Assist CISO staff in completing support tickets, risk and vulnerability assessments, and monitoring and responding to security and privacy issues.
• Monitor and deploy security solutions for the Agency.
• Support incident management activities and participate in business continuity and disaster recovery planning.

Program Coordination & Communication (25%)

• Coordinate, create, and lead various security programs and initiatives.
• Establish clear communication between the Chief Information Security Office, other internal agency offices, and external partners.
• Serve on and lead various teams to meet the needs of the agency's operations and information security program.

Reporting & Security Awareness (10%)

• Complete reports and documentation related to security programs, initiatives, and projects.
• Present on various programs, initiatives, and security awareness topics to internal and external audiences.
• Create and maintain documentation with a high level of attention to detail.

Other Duties (5%)

• Complete all other tasks as assigned, including various security and Agency support duties.

Minimum and Additional Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in information technology systems, computer science, or a related field and experience in the information technology field to include experience in a security-focused role. Relevant experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in information security, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning.
• Professional certification related to information security or privacy (e.g., Security+, or similar certification).
• Experience with security monitoring, data classification and governance, and business continuity programs including audit and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with state government or similarly regulated environments.

Additional Comments:

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Overnight travel may be required.
• Criminal background check (SLED) required prior to employment.
• Employee works independently under the direction of the Chief Information Security Officer and is expected to work closely with employees across all divisions.

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.