Deputy Chief Information Officer

Kpers•Topeka, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) is seeking a Deputy Chief Information Officer (Deputy CIO) to serve as the operational leader of their Information Technology organization. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of enterprise technology, lead a talented team, influence strategy, modernize technology operations, mentor future leaders, and build an IT organization recognized for operational excellence and trusted partnerships. The Deputy CIO will serve as the second-in-command to the Chief Information Officer, leading day-to-day execution and operational performance, and acting as a trusted advisor to executive leadership by providing clear communication regarding technology performance, operational readiness, service quality, and organizational risk. The position translates strategic priorities into operational execution, ensuring technology investments align with business needs while maintaining operational stability across both legacy and modern platforms.

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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oversee vendor relationships to ensure accountability, quality, responsiveness, and value.
Partner with procurement and executive leadership to maximize vendor performance and service outcomes.
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.
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.
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.