Job Posting: Information Technology Specialist III, Information Security Officer (ISO)

Secretary of State

JC-530382
-
Information Technology Specialist III, Information Security Officer (ISO)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III

$9,507.00 - $12,740.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 9/14/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Office of the Secretary of State is recruiting a permanent full-time Information Technology Specialist III (ITS III) as Information Security Officer for the department.

Under the administrative direction of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), the Information Technology Specialist III serves as the Secretary of State (SOS) Information Security Officer (ISO) with full management responsibility for establishing and managing the most complex operation of the SOS Information Security and Cybersecurity domains. The ISO will lead and manage information security and awareness, training, intrusion prevention, incident response, tabletop exercises, risk assessment, and compliance reporting to the California Department of Technology (CDT). The ISO ensures that the organization's information assets are protected from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, destruction, or theft. The ISO is also responsible for promoting the organization's awareness of information security issues. The incumbent will collaborate with the Information Technology Division, Risk Management, Audits, and Executives to mature the information security program to develop security policies and standards to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets.
  • The ISO will help develop and maintain an information security strategy and program that aligns with the organization's goals and objectives.
  • Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities. Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and standards for information security and ensure that they are followed throughout the organization.
  • Conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability testing to identify and mitigate potential security risks and threats. Monitor security logs and alerts to identify potential security incidents and respond promptly to mitigate risks and minimize impact.
  • The ISO primarily advises the CIO, Chief Information Security Officer, and Chief Deputy Secretary on response activities that may result in press releases, substantial costs, and potential lawsuits and fines. The ISO may be involved in highly confidential investigations of employee misuse or policy violation.

Desirable Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or in any engineering field preferred
  • Strong leadership skills in highly complex environments that have competing priorities and demands
  • Effective written, verbal, interpersonal, and analytical skills
  • Certified information systems security professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • At least two years as a security Lead.
  • Risk Management
  • Information Security Program
  • Security Policy
  • Compliance
  • Cyber Security
  • Incident response and security reporting
Supplemental Questionnaire: Applicants must submit a Supplemental Questionnaire responding to the questions listed below, it should be no more than two (2) pages typed, using business professional font, font size, and formatting. Responses need to include the question and must be numbered in the same order. Applications submitted without the Supplemental Questionnaire will not be considered.

1. Describe how you would implement an information security strategy and program
2. Describe your experience conducting data and systems categorization for critical infrastructure.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Position provide telework opportunities based upon the agency’s telework policy and business needs. All employees who telework are required to be California residents, in accordance with Government Code 14200, and will be required to report to the Secretary of State’s Headquarters (Sacramento). Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.Occasional off-hours and weekends may be required

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-530382
Position #(s):
785-113-1415-001
Working Title:
Information Technology Specialist III, Information Security Officer (ISO)
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III
$9,507.00 - $12,740.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Telework
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) consists of nearly 750 dedicated public servants who uphold the rights of Californians while also striving to make our government, elections, and businesses both accessible and transparent. Led by an elected leader, accountable to the public, we are dedicated to fostering career development opportunities and growing a skilled workforce that embraces inclusion and values diversity.

Located in downtown Sacramento, the SOS building is within walking distance to a variety of eateries and amenities. Light Rail, State Capitol, Downtown Commons (DOCO), and Golden 1 Center, just to name a few. Conveniently located in the SOS building, the Gold Rush Grille offers delicious daily specials for breakfast or lunch and is open to the public. Our on-site childcare incorporates programs for children six weeks to five years old. Priority waitlist access and special discounted rates are available for SOS employees.

For more information about the SOS, please visit sos.ca.gov.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not reflect the temporary salary reduction.

Special Requirements

Examination Information:Candidates new to state service or those seeking a promotional opportunity must take the online examination to establish eligibility. The examination can be found at the following link: CalCareers- Information Technology Specialist III.There is also a Limited Examination & Appointment Program (LEAP) exam available for this classification. Information on the LEAP certification process is available on the Department of Rehabilitation LEAP Certification website.

 

Education: When using education to meet minimum qualifications, education must include the specified information technology or closely related coursework. Please include all the required documents necessary to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications for this classification (i.e., degree, transcript, license, and certificate). If your degree is not in one of the specified degrees as stated in the Class Specifications, please provide a copy of your most recent unofficial transcripts to be evaluated for comparability. Candidate may be required to provide a transcript prior to hire.


Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 9/14/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.
Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Secretary of State
Attn: Natalie Venegas
1500 11th St - 4th Floor - Suite 475
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Secretary of State
Natalie Venegas
1500 11th St - 4th Floor - Suite 475
Sacramento, CA 95814
Please drop off applications at the first floor lobby rotunda.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Supplemental Application - Please provide your responses to the supplemental questions as directed above.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Human Resources Contact:
Natalie Venegas
(916) 653-6974
Nvenegas@sos.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Sarah Bielski
(916) 653-6974
sbielski@sos.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off