Purpose:
The System Administrator reports to the Director of Technology with support of the Vice President for Strategy and Institutional Effectiveness. This position involves managing the overall operating system and assisting with configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and reliability. This position will work with the IT team to resolve issues on both seminary campuses in Richmond and Charlotte. This position is responsible for managing the servers and cloud infrastructure and will be the primary contact for third parties/vendors. This position will provide guidance and recommendations for the routineupgrading of the technology infrastructure and tools to enhance productivity and efficiency. This position will also be responsible for maintaining the day-to-day help desk tickets to identify common issues and work on changes to resolve them.
Responsibilities and Duties:
1. Serve as the point of contact with the MSP who maintains and upgrades the network hardware of the seminary such as: routers, firewalls, switches, and servers as well as the Cisco Webex phone system on both campuses.
2. Monitor network performance, security and ensure overall system availability and reliability. Resolve problems and issues with computer and server systems.
3. Maintain the operation and efficiency of the data center and networking closets around the campuses.
4. Manage cloud-based infrastructure and services in Microsoft 365 such as: Exchange, SharePoint/OneDrive, and Teams. Migrate legacy software, hardware, and databases to appropriate platforms. Guide the migration from the Blackboard LMS to Canvas.
5. Implement and enforce security best practices to safeguard IT systems and data.
6. Provide support for faculty and staff through the help desk ticketing system.
7. Implement and support classroom technologies to create a better environment for students and faculty, and outside groups using seminary technology resources.
8. Assist with the development of business processes, procedures, and policies.
9. Conduct consistent research on new available technologies to ensure up-to-date optimal network operations.
10. Initiate system upgrades, new technology implementations, and other IT projects.
11. Identify and execute plans to enhance operational efficiencies and process automation.
12. Evaluate current contracts with vendors and third parties to determine what services may be better managed in-house.
13. Provide training to employees and students on emerging technologies and security.
14. Perform routine system backups, uphold data integrity and security, and implement disaster recovery solutions.
Knowledge and Skills:
• Bachelor's Degree in an information technology field
• 3+ years in an IT department with experience in networking, managing systems, and help desk/user support
• Preferred experience in an academic or non-profit environment
• Demonstrated ability to work with users with a range of technology skill levels
• Knowledge of Fortinet hardware and implementations
• Ability to implement, administer and troubleshoot network infrastructure devices including firewalls, routers, switches, wireless access points and controllers
• Ability to use network monitoring, diagnostic and analytic tools to manage a network
• Understanding network troubleshooting for: VPN firewall, internet connectivity, DHCP, DNS, and wireless
• Knowledge and ability to work with and maintain virtual server environment
• Familiarity with data backup software, procedures and maintenance
• Ability to identify network security vulnerabilities and suggest and implement solutions to resolve them
• Knowledge of software such as: Veeam, VMWare, Barracuda, and FortiGate.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Entra ID and Intune
• Proficiency in managing cloud services and their integration into enterprise environments
• Strong understanding of Office 365 environments
• Conversant with database administration and maintenance procedures
• Experience working with Windows Server and Active Directory supporting Windows Desktop, MacOS, and Linux
• Experience with audio and visual classroom technology
• Experience with a learning management system (Canvas a plus)
• Neat, organized, and efficient
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a service-oriented attitude
• Ability to collaborate in a small team and show initiative and self-direction
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Fundamentals, Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Certified are a plus.
Working Conditions:
• Normal workweek Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Located on the Richmond Campus
• Some evenings and weekends may be required.
Position is full time non-exempt with benefits.
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Shawn Oliver, Vice President for Strategy and Institutional Effectiveness at shawn.oliver@upsem.edu.
