System Administrator

About the role

The Divisional IT Systems Administrator reports to the Executive Director of Security Technology and serves as a creative self‑starter with a high energy level. The role manages SaaS and IaaS environments, physical and virtual server infrastructure, server installation/maintenance/security, firewall and network switch configuration, intrusion detection, and develops technology solutions to advance the Division of Public Safety’s objectives. It includes supervision of one direct report (IT Support Specialist), collaboration with Critical Infrastructure IT Systems Administrator and Security System Administrator to maintain electronic security infrastructure (CCTV, access control, burglar alarms, emergency phone systems, emergency telephony, land mobile radio, mobile data terminals, proprietary dispatch/police software), and support for DPS IT staff as a tier‑2 escalation point. The University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offering a vibrant urban campus with access to educational, cultural, and recreational activities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as systems administrator for the Division of Public Safety.
• Provide system management: manage Windows, server and desktop administration, systems security, installation, and information security.
• Manage infrastructure across cloud‑based, virtual, and physical server environments to support all systems.
• Create user accounts, maintain permissions, ensure system integrity, reliability, scalability, and security via Active Directory and associated tools.
• Assist in management of vendor service contracts and contracted professional support.
• Assist in preparation of the annual fiscal year and five‑year budget for DPS IT solutions.
• Develop and implement solutions to meet DPS goals, including hardware/software lifecycle management and pilot testing of new technologies.
• Support DPS IT staff as tier‑2 support for all IT systems owned/maintained by the Division, including backup support within the PennComm center and end‑user devices (desktops, laptops, mobile devices, applications).
• Collaborate with contracted security partners, University ISC staff, and other necessary staff to maintain electronic security infrastructure.
• Apply and enforce DPS and University of Pennsylvania physical and electronic security standards across IT systems using hardware/software firewalls, spam/virus protection, and intrusion detection measures.
• Supervise the direct report within the Security Technology Department and provide training for professional development.
• Perform regular system administration tasks: backup/restore, server monitoring, patch management, system documentation, and recommendation of new technologies for implementation.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts and 2 to 3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance; flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre‑tax dollars.
• Tuition: tuition assistance for employee, spouse, and dependent children at Penn and at other institutions.
• Retirement: Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans (pre‑tax or Roth) with investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: substantial vacation, personal, sick, and family leave.
• Long‑Term Care Insurance: partnership with Genworth Financial; no proof of good health required for newly hired employees; eligible family members subject to underwriting.
• Wellness and Work‑life Resources: programs supporting health, family, and work‑life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: resources for personal and career advancement.
• University Resources: access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural and recreational activities (often free for employees and families).
• Discounts and Special Services: savings on arts/entertainment, transportation, mortgages, new cars (Ford/GM), cellular plans, movie tickets, theme park admissions, and more.
• Flexible Work Hours: flexible scheduling options to promote work‑life balance.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: forgivable loan for eligible employees purchasing a home or residing in West Philadelphia (closing costs or improvements).
• Adoption Assistance: reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses (travel, court fees) for