FT - Systems Administrator

Job Summary

The IT Systems Administrator is responsible for the reliable, secure, and compliant operation of Dallas Theological Seminary's on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure. This role ensures that core enterprise systems-servers, identity platforms, storage, visualization, and cloud services-are available, auditable, and aligned with both institutional priorities and regulatory requirements.

In keeping with Dallas Theological Seminary's mission, this position emphasizes operational excellence, security stewardship, documentation, and service-oriented support within a higher-education and ministry context.

Primary Responsibilities

Systems & Infrastructure Operations

• Administer, maintain, and monitor Windows and Linux server environments (physical and virtual).

• Manage virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, vSphere/ vCenter or equivalent).

• Support on-premises and cloud infrastructure, including Microsoft Azure services.

• Maintain storage platforms, backup systems, and disaster recovery capabilities.

• Ensure system availability, performance, capacity planning, and lifecycle management.

Microsoft 365 & Identity Platforms

• Administer Microsoft 365 services, including Entra ID (Azure AD), Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and related services.

• Support hybrid identity and authentication services, including MFA and Conditional Access.

• Manage Active Directory, group policies, DNS, DHCP, and certificate services.

• Enforce least-privilege access models and partner with IAM and Security initiatives.

Security Risk & Compliance (Security-Weighted)

• Apply operating system and application patches in accordance with formal change controls.

• Monitor systems for security events, configuration drift, and unauthorized access.

• Support GLBA safeguards related to:

• Access controls for systems storing or processing Restricted or Confidential data.

• Audit logging, retention, and evidence collection.

• Secure configuration baselines and vulnerability remediation.

• Participate in security incident response, containment, and forensic support.

• Assist in regulatory audits, risk assessments, and security control testing.

Backup, Recovery & Continuity

• Ensure reliable, tested backups of all critical systems and data.

• Document and periodically test restore and disaster recovery procedures.

• Maintain data retention, off-site storage, and immutable backup protections where appropriate.

Documentation, Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Create and maintain accurate system documentation, diagrams, SOPs, and runbooks.

• Automate routine administrative tasks using PowerShell or equivalent tools.

• Drive standardization and repeatability across infrastructure services.

Support & Collaboration

• Provide Tier 3 escalation support for complex infrastructure incidents.

• Collaborate with Service Desk, Network, Security, and Application Teams.

• Coordinate with vendors and service providers as required.

• Participate in infrastructure projects from planning through operational handoff.

Maintenance

• Perform approved maintenance during defined maintenance windows.

Explicit ITIL Practice Alignment

The Systems Administrator contributes directly to the following ITIL practices:

Incident Management

• Restore service availability for infrastructure-related incidents.

• Act as Tier 3 escalation for unresolved service disruptions.

• Provide root-cause input and technical findings for incident reviews.

• Maintain incident documentation and operational notes.

Change Enablement (Change Management)

• Implement infrastructure changes using approved change processes.

• Plan, test, document, and execute changes with rollback strategies.

• Participate in change reviews and post-implementation validation.

Problem Management

• Identify recurring incidents and system weaknesses.

• Perform root-cause analysis and recommend permanent solutions.

• Implement preventative measures to reduce incident volume and risk.

Information Security Management

• Maintain secure configurations and monitoring controls.

• Support audit evidence collection and compliance reporting.

• Assist in risk identification, mitigation planning, and remediation tracking.

Service Configuration Management

• Maintain accurate configuration documentation and system inventories.

• Ensure infrastructure changes are reflected in documentation and diagrams.

Required Qualifications

Technical Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in systems administration or infrastructure engineering.

• Strong experience with Windows Server and Active Directory administration.

• Experience supporting Microsoft 365 and Entra ID environments.

• Experience with virtualization technologies (VMware or equivalent).

• Working knowledge of backup, disaster recovery, and storage concepts.

• Proficiency with scripting and automation (PowerShell preferred).

• Experience operating in regulated or compliance-driven environments.

Professional Qualifications

• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and documentation skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

• Service-oriented mindset with strong attention to detail.

• Ability to manage competing priorities responsibly and calmly.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit environments.

• Linux server administration experience.

• Familiarity with ITIL-aligned service management.

• Experience supporting secure cloud and SaaS architectures.