Systems Administrator

Position Title: Systems Administrator

Posting Number: S300P

Department: Information Technology Services

Position Type: Staff

Job Description: We are seeking a seasoned Systems Administrator with experience in large, distributed campus environments to join our 45+ person ITS team at Hillsdale College. You will be responsible for designing, provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting the server infrastructure that supports the College's academic and operational missions. As a vital member of the Network and System Administration team, you will ensure the reliability and security of both on-premises and cloud-integrated systems that serve our faculty, staff, and students.

Working closely with the broader ITS department, this role focuses on maintaining a robust hybrid environment. You will serve as an expert in the design and optimization of Windows servers and Hyper-V virtualization within a large enterprise network. This position requires deep technical expertise in managing Azure Cloud infrastructure, specifically focusing on Azure Active Directory (Entra ID), Single Sign-On ( SSO ), and Multi-Factor Authentication ( MFA ) to ensure seamless and secure access across the College's digital landscape.

Essential Job Functions
Server Infrastructure Management and Support

1. Design, deploy, and manage the College's server infrastructure, including physical hardware, Hyper-V clusters, and storage platforms (Pure Storage) to ensure high availability and performance.
2. Maintain and optimize Virtualization environments, focusing on Hyper-V administration, disaster recovery (DR) operations, and performance tuning for a large enterprise network.
3. Administer Microsoft Defender Suite, including Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, and Defender for Cloud, to proactively identify threats, manage vulnerabilities, and respond to security incidents across the hybrid environment.
4. Manage Identity and Access by serving as an expert in Windows Active Directory, Group Policy ( GPO ), and the hybrid integration of Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure AD), including SSO and MFA .
5. Administer Web and Application Servers, providing management and support for Microsoft IIS ( ASP . NET /. NET Core) as well as Linux-based stacks (Apache, MySQL, PHP ).
6. Automate and Streamline administrative tasks using PowerShell scripting to increase efficiency, reduce manual errors, and improve service levels across the server fleet.
7. Monitor and Analyze system health using tools like Zabbix and Azure Monitor to proactively identify bottlenecks, security vulnerabilities, and hardware trends.
8. Perform Lifecycle Management, including predicting hardware needs, purchasing, and implementing upgrades, patches, and reconfigurations for both on-premises and cloud-based systems.
9. Ensure Data Protection & Cyber Resilience by managing immutable cloud-based backups using Dell APEX / Druva. This includes configuring policies to protect against ransomware, accidental deletion, and unauthorized data modification.
10. Collaborate on Network Services, managing critical services including DNS , DHCP , SNMP , and HTTP / HTTPS , while maintaining a solid understanding of routing and VLANs.
11. Support Modern Endpoints by managing Windows Intune for device configuration and supporting Microsoft 365/Office 365 collaboration tools.
12. Provide periodic after-hours support and travel to remote campus locations as needed to address critical infrastructure issues and meet the demands of a 24/7 residential campus.

Operational Excellence

1. Collaborate across all ITS Teams to align server infrastructure with the College's academic and operational goals.
2. Document and Share Knowledge by contributing to a central knowledge management system, including server configurations, troubleshooting guides, and recovery procedures.
3. Prepare and present reports for ITS leadership on infrastructure health, capacity planning, and security compliance.
4. Engage in at least 40 hours of continuing education annually to stay current with Windows Server advancements, virtualization technologies, and security best practices.

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience
Minimum Requirements

Experience: At least 4 years of experience as a Systems Administrator in an enterprise or educational environment, with a proven track record of managing high-availability infrastructure. Education: Associate degree or higher in BIS , MIS , Computer Science, or equivalent professional experience.
Desired Training and Certifications

• ITIL 4 Foundation
• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
• CompTIA Security+
• MCSE / MCSA (Legacy certifications)

Other Skills: Other Skills
Expert-level Skills

• Hyper-V & Virtualization: Deep expertise in Hyper-V clusters, performance optimization, and disaster recovery.
• Identity Management: Advanced knowledge of Windows Active Directory, Group Policy, and Microsoft Entra configuration.
• Windows Server Administration: Proficiency in managing modern Windows Server environments and IIS ( ASP . NET support).
• Scripting & Automation: High proficiency in PowerShell for system automation and configuration management.
• Core Network Services: Expertise in DNS management, DHCP , and web protocol ( HTTP / HTTPS ) troubleshooting.

Proficient-level Skills

• Linux Administration: Experience configuring and managing Debian, Ubuntu, or CentOS environments.
• Storage & Hardware: Familiarity with Pure Storage or similar enterprise storage platforms and hardware procurement.
• Cloud & Hybrid Systems: Working knowledge of Azure Cloud services, Microsoft Intune, and Cloudflare WAF /Domain management.
• Database Support: Ability to perform basic administration for Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL.
• Monitoring Tools: Experience with systems analysis and monitoring platforms like Zabbix.
• Compliance: Knowledge of HIPAA and FERPA regulations within a network and server environment.

Code of Commitment

Be a good representative of Hillsdale College, promoting its mission, original Articles of Association, and Staff Code of Commitment. The teaching of Christian faith shall remain a conspicuous aim of the College.

Physical Demands: Physical Requirements: Must be able to work on-site in Hillsdale, MI; able to lift or move up to 25 lbs, climb ladders, and install equipment in confined spaces (under desks, ceilings, etc.).

Open Date: 07/27/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Supplemental Questions:

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ( ).

Documents Needed To Apply (Required Documents & Optional Documents): Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

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