Job Title: Information Technology Security Specialist

Reports To: Vice President of Information Technology

Direct Reports: None

Department: Information Technology

Location: Nashville TN (Remote to start will eventually transition to in-office. If you do not live within 30 minutes from Nashville your application will not be considered.)

FLSA Status: Exempt/Salary

Position Status: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday with occasional overtime and/or weekends

Base Salary Range: $55000 - $75000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Travel: 15% may be required and/or dependent on business needs

Job Summary

Westport Properties continues to grow rapidly we are seeking a highly skilled and motivated IT Security Specialist to join our dynamic IT team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for protecting our organizations information systems by identifying and mitigating security threats. This role involves developing and implementing security measures monitoring network activity and ensuring compliance with security policies and regulations.

*This role is currently deemed remote. However it may move to an in office position in the future. We reserve the right to evaluate all remote positions and may reassign them to mandatory in office.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Security Monitoring and Incident Response: Continuously monitor network traffic and system activity for potential security breaches. Respond promptly to security incidents conduct thorough investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Risk Assessment and Management: Perform regular risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in our IT infrastructure. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate identified risks and enhance overall security posture.
• Security Policies and Procedures: Develop update and enforce security policies procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Security Awareness Training: Conduct security awareness training sessions for employees to educate them on best practices for maintaining information security and preventing cyber threats.
• Vulnerability Management: Regularly scan and assess systems for vulnerabilities. Apply patches and updates to mitigate security risks.
• Access Control: Manage user access controls and permissions to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other IT team members departments and external partners to ensure a cohesive approach to information security.

Education / Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in computer science Information Technology or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in IT security or a related role.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications such as CISSP CISM CEH or CompTIA Security are highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in security tools and technologies such as firewalls intrusion detection/prevention systems antivirus software and encryption techniques.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of network protocols operating systems and security frameworks (e.g. NIST ISO 27001).
• Analytical Skills: Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and address security threats effectively.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey complex security concepts to non- technical stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: High level of attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud security and securing cloud-based applications and services.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements such as GDPR HIPAA and PCI-DSS
• Experience with security incident response and forensic analysis.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to work within a team and to foster teamwork
• Proactive self-starter goal oriented and ability to work independently
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 products
• (If applicable) Ability to work flexible hours depending on various departmental project deadlines and/or Company events and sponsored programs (including a few late evenings and weekend events per year)
• General office and telephone skills are required
• Basic Computer Skills are required
• Must maintain and hold a valid State Drivers License (if driving for Company business for the role)

Benefits for Full-Time Employees

• Generous Paid Time Off offered earn 3 weeks per year at the start of your hire date
• 10 paid holidays per year
• $6000 contributed annually toward Health Benefits: Medical Dental Vision
• Paid ongoing Professional Development & Training
• Company Paid Life Insurance Coverage up to $50000 per employee (Basic Life & AD&D)
  • Basic Life & AD&D - 3x Annual Base Salary for Supervisory Level and Above
• 401(k) Plan with employer match
• Rewards & Recognition (Managers Quarterly & Yearly Outstanding Achievement Awards Core Values Award Years of Service & Wall of Fame)
• Company Sponsored Events throughout the Year (Holiday Parties & Gifts Company Picnic Team building etc.)
• Huge Potential for Career Mentorship Growth and Advancement
• Recognition of Hard Work and Exemplary Performance through numerous compensation practices
• Discretionary bonus based on several factors

About Westport Properties

Founded in 1985 Westport Properties (WPI) is an owner-operator of self storage multifamily and industrial properties across the United States. The Company is a fully integrated operator that develops acquires and manages its portfolio as well as providing third-party management services. As of March 2024 WPI has approximately 15.2 million square feet of self storage space under management and its total assets under management is approaching $3.2 billion with its US Storage Centers brand as well as over 650 multifamily units while employing over 600 people nationwide. WPI is a founding partner of the 501(c)3 Kure-It a non-profit organization that raises money for underfunded cancer research and Charity Storage a 501(c)3 that uses vacant storage units to raise money for local charities. To date Kure-It has raised over $15M and Charity Storage has raised over $1.2M.

At-Will Employment & Equal Opportunity Employer

Westport Properties Inc. is a parent company of US Storage Centers (USSC) which provides at-will equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age marital status disability or genetics. Furthermore Westport Properties Inc. expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment and discrimination based on age disability color genetics marital status national origin race religion sex sexual orientation or veteran status in compliance with federal state and applicable local laws governing employment and labor law in every location in which the company conducts business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.