Chief Security Officer (CSO)

The City of Topeka is seeking an experienced Chief Security Officer (CSO) to lead, coordinate and administer all aspects of physical and cybersecurity across the organization. The CSO will develop, implement and manage comprehensive strategies and lead investigations to protect the City’s information systems, infrastructure and data and ensure compliance with state, federal and local regulations.

What you'll do:

• Develop, implement and manage a unified security program aligned with the City’s goals and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with the City Manager and/or executive team to assess security posture and prioritize high-impact initiatives.
• Lead risk assessments, threat intelligence, and vulnerability management.
• Oversee and administer incident response, crisis management, investigations, business continuity, and disaster recovery.

The ideal candidate:

• Has an expert understanding of cybersecurity principles, municipal governance, and regulatory compliance (CJIS, HIPAA, NIST, etc.).
• Is highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Has excellent leadership, communication and crisis management skills.
• Is a critical thinker, with the ability to analyze information, solve complex problems, and make sound decisions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, IT, Safety Management, Criminal Justice, or a related field is required with at least five years of experience in security administration and overseeing both physical and information security. OR
  • A high school diploma or its equivalent is required with nine years of experience in security administration and overseeing both physical and information security.
• Relevant certification in IT management, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), and/or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) preferred.

Annual Entry Salary: Up to $165,000, depending on qualifications

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The City of Topeka offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Health/Dental Insurance
• Paid Life/Long Term Disability Insurance
• Generous Paid Vacation & Holidays
• KPERS 401(a) Retirement Plan
• (457) Deferred Comp Savings Plan
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Free Onsite Health & Wellness Clinic
• Full-service fitness facility
• Free Parking
• Employee Assistance Program

The City of Topeka is an Equal Opportunity Employer