System Administrator

About the role

The Systems Administrator ensures the reliable operation and continuous improvement of information technology infrastructure and services across Core Education's partner institutions. This role drives operational effectiveness by designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise systems that enable academic and business functions while maintaining security, performance, and availability standards. The Senior Network Administrator serves as a technical expert who translates institutional needs into scalable technology solutions, directly supporting Core Education's mission to transform higher education through operational excellence and technological innovation. 

What you'll do

 Key Accountabilities 

• Maintains enterprise IT infrastructure stability and performance by managing servers, networks, security systems, and end-user technology with 99%+ uptime for critical services 

• Drives digital transformation initiatives by researching, evaluating, and implementing modern technologies that improve operational efficiency and academic delivery across partner institutions 

• Ensures cost-effective technology operations through strategic vendor management, license compliance tracking, and optimization of technology investments and service agreements 

• Establishes and enforces IT standards, policies, and procedures that enhance security posture, system reliability, and user productivity across the campus community 

• Delivers actionable insights through data reporting and systems analysis that inform technology strategy and demonstrate IT value to institutional stakeholders 

• Provides expert technical guidance and support to IT staff and campus users, resolving complex technical challenges and building institutional technology capabilities 

Key Tasks & Activities 

• Monitors, configures, and optimizes performance, security, backup, and disaster recovery systems for enterprise infrastructure including servers, networks, and cloud services 

• Administers Windows Server environments, Active Directory, Office 365, virtualization platforms (VMs), and network services (DHCP, DNS, VPN) 

• Research emerging technologies and implements solutions that enhance business and academic operations 

• Manages vendor relationships for technology procurement, warranty administration, and service level agreement compliance 

• Maintains comprehensive inventory of software licenses and hardware assets, ensuring compliance with vendor agreements and institutional policies 

• Troubleshoots and resolves complex technical issues across network infrastructure, security systems, telecommunications, and end-user devices 

• Develops and documents IT policies, standard operating procedures, and technical specifications for systems administration 

• Generates system performance reports, security assessments, and data analytics as requested by leadership 

• Tests and validates new systems, software compatibility, and security configurations before production deployment 

• Stays current on technology trends, security threats, and industry best practices through continuous professional development 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent combination of training and experience) 

• 3+ years of hands-on systems administration experience in enterprise environments 

• Demonstrated experience with Windows Server protocols, Office 365, Active Directory, DHCP, and virtualization technologies 

• Proven experience with VPN networks, firewalls, and network security technologies 

• Experience with multiple web browsers, operating system platforms, and software procurement/deployment 

• Background in cloud productivity platforms (Google Suite, Zoom, or similar) 

• Experience with data systems, reporting tools, and analytical processes 

• Track record of working effectively with minimal supervision in team environments 

Preferred: 

• Project management experience or PMP certification 

• Security certifications (Security+, CISSP, CEH, or equivalent) 

• ITIL Foundation or higher certification 

• Microsoft certifications (MCSA, MCSE, or Azure Administrator) 

• VMware or Hyper-V certifications 

• Hands-on development or scripting experience (PowerShell, Python, Bash) 

• Experience in higher education technology environment