IT Systems Administrator
8 days ago
Columbia
Job DescriptionDescription: Under the direction of the Chief Information Officer, the Systems Administrator provides advanced technical support and system administration for the college's 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 college's 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., • 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. 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 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.Requirements:, • 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, • Three or more years of experience in systems or network administration, • Bachelor's 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 Founded in 1833, Stephens College is the second-oldest women's 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 women's education, fostering a community where students are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel. The college also provides flexible, co-educational master’s 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 36,000+ college students and 118,000 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 Children’s School). Stephens offers an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, Supplemental Retirement Annuity, Faculty/Staff Grants, tuition waivers and tuition paid undergraduate classes for dependents. Full-time staff work 36 hours and are paid for 40!! 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.