IT Systems Administrator

Under the direction of the Chief Information Officer the Systems Administrator provides advanced technical support and system administration for the colleges core infrastructure. This includes managing physical and virtual servers network devices operating systems storage Active Directory and security systems such as surveillance cameras and electronic door access systems. The Systems Administrator serves as the second level of support providing guidance to IT Technicians and working closely with an external managed service provider (MSP) for escalated issues planning and specialized support. The position also works closely with the colleges Security Operations Center (SOC) vendor to manage security incidents review alerts and implement cybersecurity mitigations and system hardening efforts across all systems.

Responsibilities:

Coordination: Coordinate the following activities:

• Collaborate with the CIO and MSP on infrastructure strategy upgrades and risk mitigation.
• Coordinate with IT Technicians to escalate resolve and document technical issues.
• Participate in departmental planning for infrastructure projects network changes and service improvements.
• Maintain documentation of systems architecture configurations procedures and inventory.
• Assist with vendor coordination for hardware replacements software renewals and licensing.
• Collaborate with campus departments to identify technical requirements for new spaces equipment or system access.
• Develop and execute strategic and tactical project plans for system replacements and infrastructure upgrades working collaboratively with senior leadership IT staff and campus stakeholders to ensure alignment with institutional goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with IT staff and vendors to identify and address technology gaps and performance challenges developing project proposals and implementation plans that support system improvements.
• Manage lifecycle planning for infrastructure and system components including evaluation replacement schedules and end-of-life transitions.
• Participate in disaster recovery planning and testing.
• Other areas as assigned.

Support: Provide support for the following:

• Windows Server Linux and endpoint OS administration and patching.
• Active Directory management including group policies user accounts and security settings.
• Physical and virtual server infrastructure (VMware Hyper-V or similar).
• Network infrastructure support: firewalls switches wireless access points and cabling.
• IP-based security systems including camera management software and networked video recorders (NVRs).
• Door access control systems including card readers and scheduling software.
• Backup and disaster recovery systems and processes.
• Monitoring system performance logs and alerts to ensure uptime and troubleshoot issues.
• Collaboration with the MSP for escalated infrastructure support and specialized services.
• Support for routine audits compliance and cybersecurity requirements.
• Implementation and testing of security patches software updates and firmware upgrades.
• Documentation of network topologies system changes and support processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Relationships:

This position requires ongoing interaction with campus and online communities to deliver technical support. The individual in this position will be expected to maintain constant contact with their supervisor IT Team members and all users of technology associated with the college. This position involves extensive interaction with vendors including the SOC and the external MSP for high-level support and infrastructure management.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of computer hardware configuration and customization
• Knowledge of information security practices and technology
• Excellent written and verbal customer service and communication skills
• Ability to explain and train in non-technical terms
• Proven success working in a collaborative setting
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Continually multitask
• Well organized
• Detail oriented

Work Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work is performed both outdoors and indoors under various conditions with exposure to heat humidity cold odors machinery and dust.

• Ability to lift/carry and push/pull a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Keying on a computer repeatedly during an 8-hour shift.
• Reaching/handling stooping/kneeling crouching/crawling pushing/pulling.
• Ability to handle mental and physical stress to meet demands and deadlines.

• Two years of experience in system administration or infrastructure support
• Associate degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• Strong understanding of Windows Server Active Directory and network fundamentals
• Ability to troubleshoot and support hardware OS and security systems
• Effective communication and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent tasks

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three or more years of experience in systems or network administration
• Bachelors degree in Information Technology Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience
• Familiarity with IT operations in higher education environments
• Experience working with an MSP or in a hybrid support structure
• Certifications such as CompTIA Server Network Microsoft Certified: Windows Server or similar

Founded in 1833 Stephens College is the second-oldest womens college in the United States dedicated to providing innovative experiential and career-focused education across various disciplines. Located in Columbia Missouri Stephens College continues to be a leader in womens education fostering a community where students are empowered to lead innovate and excel. The college also provides flexible co-educational masters degrees and certificates for working professionals and is home to the co-educational Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College.

Ranked (over and over again) as one of the best college towns in America Columbia Missouri is home to 36000 college students and 118000 residents. Columbia conveniently located approximately 100 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis has it all: big-time college sports film music and arts festivals a high-energy arts community amazing recreation and a great downtown with lots of places to eat shop snack and check out the latest bands. The Columbia community offers outstanding health care options as well as excellent educational opportunities for every level of student (including our own Childrens School).

Be a part of this amazing community of innovative thinkers doers and dreamers.

Stephens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit and employ qualified personnel without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation national origin age disability or status as a veteran.