Systems Administrator

Who we are

The Technology Unit is integral to ongoing operations at New Visions and our network of Charter Schools, and the Systems Administrator is a vital part of that, responsible for implementing and maintaining deployment and support systems on various platforms including Windows, macOS iOS and ChromeOS across multiple locations in New York City, and ensuring systems consistently align with security requirements and best practice. The Systems Administrator will also support the work of the Network Engineer in routine maintenance activities, and act as an escalation point for advanced troubleshooting of complex issues reported by our support teams. Furthermore, the Systems Administrator plays a crucial role in creating a security-conscious culture that empowers colleagues across our network of schools.

This position is a full-time, permanent placement in a hybrid working environment (i.e. part hours in-office, part work remote).

Who you are

• You are security-conscious, striving to ensure that sensitive information is kept safe through education, proactive threat monitoring, preventative measures and systematic controls
• You have a passion for consistency and scalability, implementing and streamlining systems to maintain reliable, replicable and friction-free processes that maximize success
• You are empathic and team-oriented, recognizing that we are stronger as a team than we are as individuals, both at the unit level and as an organization
• You are organized and methodical, skilled in managing multiple competing projects, and able to focus your efforts on the priorities of the organization
• You thrive in ownership, taking care to understand and reconcile issues autonomously, never leaving a stone unturned if something doesn’t feel right
• You enjoy change, recognizing that lifecycles in Technology aren’t always measured in years, and past solutions and standards shall be revisited to ensure they continue to be fit-for-purpose
• You are an excellent communicator, both written and verbal, comfortable interacting with a wide variety of colleagues with differing skill-sets, levels of experience, and priorities
• You are curious, resourceful, and creative in your approach, able to think beyond existing systems and help develop improvements
• You are a continual learner, eager to continuously expand your skill set and knowledge, and keen to share ideas and practices with others

Maintain and Administer Core Services

• Configure, maintain and coordinate the use of core services such as Jamf, Kaseya, Google Workspace and AntiVirus for central office and school locations
• Maintain and further develop a library of baseline images and configurations for standard deployed hardware (ChromeOS, iOS, macOS, Windows) at all locations, including Group Policy, scripts, and processes for consistent deployment to endpoints
• Develop and maintain installation packages, configuration profiles, service catalog, and self-service access for software to be deployed to endpoints remotely and automatically
• Develop policies and procedures pertaining to the effective administration of core service configurations, and related hardware, in accordance with established change management guidelines, security, and best practices
• Identify opportunities and implement solutions for increasing automation
• Assess service offerings of core services, make recommendations to the Change Advisory Board, and implement changes accordingly

Maintain the Security and Alignment of New Visions Systems

• Ensure endpoints are secure and up to date with the latest software versions, security and Operating System patches in a timely manner
• Perform and oversee maintenance activities with the Tech staff at the central office and nine Charter Schools to ensure endpoints retain MDM enrollment and are security compliant
• Work with schools to identify optimal web filtering services while ensuring CIPA compliance
• Assist with scheduling and coordinating network systems software/hardware installation and maintenance tasks such as upgrades and patch installation
• Assist in regular security audits, reviews, and risk assessments
• Assist Security Team with cybersecurity investigations, evidence gathering and threat and incident response

Provide consistent, reliable, and timely support to our colleagues

• Serve as an escalation point for Technology staff at the central office and school locations and perform advanced troubleshooting including installation, repair and preventative maintenance of user computers, related hardware/software and phone system within established standards and guidelines
• Accurately log all support activities and acknowledge, troubleshoot and resolve all requests, escalating and following through when necessary
• Further a culture of security-conscious employees through communication, transparency and engagement across the organization

Maintain process integrity and build the capacity of others

• Create training documentation or videos and deliver training sessions to key staff, such as school-based Technology Specialists
• Develop and deliver in-person and remote training workshops to build capacity in New Visions’ and school staff
• Develop, disseminate and maintain technical training, support documentation and related resources using appropriate media
• Contribute to the identification and implementation of additional technology systems to help the organization and Charter schools align technology with mission and instruction
• Create and retain the accuracy of a SOP library for maintenance activities, processes and procedures

Work as part of a team

• Provide backup coverage for Network Engineer, and assist in standard maintenance, compliance activities, and implementations
• Communicate timely and regular updates and impact assessments on service-affecting issues, new feature releases, or service alterations for core offerings
• Manage and complete other projects as necessary

Required Skills and Experience

• Three years of experience in supporting business applications systems both in cloud and client/server architectures
• Certifications in management of RMM tools such as Kaseya and Jamf with at least two years of administration experience are highly desirable
• Admin-level knowledge of Windows 10, macOS, iOS, and ChromeOS
• Must be constantly driven to improve and highly adaptable to evolving business practices
• Ability to analyze, identify, prioritize and correct problems in a fast-paced environment
• Strong team player and proactive communicator with a service-oriented attitude and customer focus

Required Skill Sets and Knowledge Base

• Working knowledge of utilizing REST APIs for system extensibility, automation, reporting and integration;
• Experience working with queries and data in spreadsheets, MYSQL, SQL, MS Access, or other database technologies;
• Experience working with software packaging and deployment techniques, and scripting methods such as Python, Bash, Zsh, and PowerShell;
• Familiarity with data visualization or other reporting tools.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace and tools including Google Scripts;
• Experience with ITIL or other Service Management frameworks helpful;
• Experience with remote desktop management systems is helpful.
• Experience with Sonicwall security appliances and Cisco Wireless Systems is desirable.
• Experience working with network and internet security systems including the configuration of firewalls, WLANs, VPNs, antivirus systems and spam filters helpful;

Additional Duties

Willingness to work non-standard hours as needed

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position.  These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Pay Range:

$65,219 minimum to $107,611 maximum

While the majority of new hires’ starting salaries shall be expected to be placed in the first half of the range(s) to allow space to grow in the job, for those who already have significant relevant experience at that level of the job, placement at the higher end of the range(s) is possible.

Our offices are currently operating in a hybrid model, with staff expected to work in person several days per week.  We are following New York City’s lead and requiring all staff to be vaccinated.  Our plans and policies may change as circumstances related to COVID-19 continue to evolve.  Additional details will be shared if selected for an interview.