Systems Administrator

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 design, provision, monitor, and troubleshoot the server infrastructure that supports the College’s academic and operational missions.

About the role

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. This role focuses on maintaining a robust hybrid environment and requires deep technical expertise in Windows servers, Hyper-V virtualization, and Azure Cloud infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Maintain and optimize virtualization environments, focusing on Hyper-V administration, disaster recovery (DR) operations, and performance tuning for a large enterprise network.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Automate and streamline administrative tasks using PowerShell scripting to increase efficiency, reduce manual errors, and improve service levels across the server fleet.
• Monitor and analyze system health using tools like Zabbix and Azure Monitor to proactively identify bottlenecks, security vulnerabilities, and hardware trends.
• Perform lifecycle management, including predicting hardware needs, purchasing, and implementing upgrades, patches, and reconfigurations for both on-premises and cloud-based systems.
• Ensure data protection and cyber resilience by managing immutable cloud-based backups using Dell APEX / Druva, including configuring policies to protect against ransomware, accidental deletion, and unauthorized data modification.
• Collaborate on network services, managing critical services including DNS, DHCP, SNMP, and HTTP/HTTPS, while maintaining a solid understanding of routing and VLANs.
• Support modern endpoints by managing Windows Intune for device configuration and supporting Microsoft 365/Office 365 collaboration tools.
• 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.
• Collaborate across all ITS teams to align server infrastructure with the College’s academic and operational goals.
• Document and share knowledge by contributing to a central knowledge management system, including server configurations, troubleshooting guides, and recovery procedures.
• Prepare and present reports for ITS leadership on infrastructure health, capacity planning, and security compliance.
• Engage in at least 40 hours of continuing education annually to stay current with Windows Server advancements, virtualization technologies, and security best practices.

Requirements

• 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.
• Associate degree or higher in BIS, MIS, Computer Science, or equivalent professional experience.

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.

Desired Certifications

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

Physical Demands

• 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.).

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.