Systems Administrator

**SIGN-ON BONUS**

The successful candidate will receive a $1,000 sign-on bonus ($500 paid at time of hire and $500 paid at the end of 90 days of employment.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Infrastructure and Security, the Systems Administrator manages and secures the Academy’s infrastructure, identity, and cloud environments through automation, identity and access management, vulnerability and patch management, and the integration of cloud and on-premises systems to ensure reliable technology services.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain the Academy's on-premises and cloud-based server infrastructure, including Windows and Linux systems, virtualization platforms, storage systems, and associated services.
• Lead the Academy's vulnerability management program by conducting vulnerability assessments, coordinating remediation efforts, tracking risk reduction activities, and ensuring timely resolution of identified issues.
• Manage and maintain patch management processes for server operating systems, infrastructure services, virtualization platforms, and third-party server applications to ensure security and compliance.
• Develop and maintain automation solutions using scripting and systems management tools to improve operational efficiency, standardization, and service reliability.
• Administer identity and access management systems, including Hybrid Active Directory, Entra ID, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access controls, and user lifecycle management.
• Configure and support Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and related collaboration technologies.
• Collaborate with Infrastructure and Security staff to manage DNS, DHCP, certificate services, authentication systems, and device registration processes.
• Monitor system performance, availability, capacity, and security using centralized monitoring, logging, and alerting tools.
• Research, evaluate, recommend, and implement infrastructure technologies that improve reliability, security, operational efficiency, and user experience.
• Support incident response activities, digital record retention requirements, eDiscovery processes, and security investigations as needed.
• Develop and maintain backup, recovery, and disaster recovery solutions to ensure institutional resilience.
• Create and maintain accurate technical documentation, system standards, operational procedures, and configuration records.
• Participate in infrastructure projects, technology upgrades, and strategic initiatives led by Information Technology Services.
• Participate in the ITS technical on-call rotation and provide after-hours support when necessary.
• Provide Tier 2 technical support and escalation assistance for complex workstations, operating system, application, identity, and account-related issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

• This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field; or mastery of the required skills listed below.  
• 5-7 years of experience administering enterprise systems, servers, and infrastructure in a complex environment required
• Experience in educational, nonprofit, or similar mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Industry certifications such as Microsoft, VMware, CompTIA Server+, Security+, AZ-104, VCP, CISSP, or comparable certifications are preferred.
• Strong experience administering Windows Server and Linux operating systems in on-premises and cloud environments. 
• Experience managing virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere, Hyper-V, Nutanix, Proxmox or KVM. 
• Demonstrated experience with systems automation and scripting using PowerShell, Python, Bash, or similar technologies. 
• Knowledge of patch management, vulnerability management, configuration management, and security remediation processes. 
• Strong understanding of Microsoft 365, Entra ID (Azure AD), Active Directory, Group Policy, multi-factor authentication, and identity management technologies. 
• Experience administering Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and Entra ID required
• Experience with enterprise systems management, monitoring, logging, backup, recovery, and disaster recovery platforms. 
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, security best practices, vulnerability management methodologies, and security hardening standards. 
• Working knowledge of DNS, DHCP, certificate services, networking fundamentals, and authentication technologies.
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving complex Windows, macOS, Microsoft 365, authentication, and endpoint-related issues.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and operational responsibilities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement through automation and process optimization.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to supporting the institution's mission.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Physical Job Demands

• Close visual acuity to analyze data and figures and view a computer monitor
• Ability to sustain substantial movements of the wrists, hands and/or fingers; or to dictate instructions to a computer
• Ability to sit or stand at a desk or table for extended periods of time
• Light Physical Requirements, which include exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects

 Working Conditions

The worker is mainly in an office environment and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.  

Special Instructions for Applicants

Application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
• A complete resume or curriculum vitae

Compensation & Benefits

Deerfield Academy offers a competitive total compensation package, where base compensation or salary is just one component. Pay within the published range is determined by factors such as qualifications, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, allowing for growth and progression within the role.

We also offer a comprehensive suite of benefits to eligible employees, including:

• Health & Financial: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b)-retirement plan; and employer-paid life and disability plans.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Campus Perks: Tuition remission, fitness center access and complimentary dining hall meals

See benefit plan details here.

Disclaimer

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  This job description is not intended to be construed as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. It is expected that job duties and responsibilities will develop over time commensurate with performance.