IT Systems & Security Specialist I

Aspire Living & Learning; East Windsor Hill (CT); Remote; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision

FSA/HSA

401(k) with match

PTO & holidays

Professional growth

EAP/Telehealth

Job summary

Aspire Living & Learning is seeking an IT Systems and Security Specialist I for a remote-capable role serving Aspire’s CT, VT, MA, NH, and MD service areas. The position pays $72,000 annually and reports to the Director of IT.

The role covers cloud administration, security operations, identity and access management, and system support. Travel to group homes is required occasionally; strong cloud, security, and AD experience is desired.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in IT or cybersecurity.
• 3–5 years of experience in systems, cloud, or cybersecurity administration.
• Experience administering Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365.
• Familiarity with Windows Server and Active Directory.
• Knowledge of MFA, firewalls, and access control.
• Strong troubleshooting and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in cloud administration of Azure and Microsoft 365.
• Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents.
• Manage user provisioning, Entra ID, and SSO.
• Support server, workstation, and network tasks.
• Document configurations and support compliance audits.

Skills

Azure

Entra ID

MFA

Security policies

Incident response

Active Directory

PowerShell

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/Cybersecurity/CS or related field

Tools

Microsoft Defender

Intune / Endpoint Manager

PowerShell scripting

Windows Server

VMware

Hyper-V

Job description

Job Title: IT Systems and Security Specialist I

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Remote within Aspire Living & Learning’s service area; MUST RESIDE IN VT, CT, MD, NH, & MA

Reports To: Director of IT

Compensation: $72000 Annually

Schedule: M - F, 40 hours a week

Job Purpose: The IT Systems & Security Specialist I is responsible for supporting the organization’s cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity initiatives, and day-to-day IT operations. This role assists with managing cloud services, monitoring security systems, responding to security incidents, maintaining user access controls, and ensuring compliance with security policies and best practices. The ideal candidate is eager to develop expertise in cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and systems administration while providing exceptional support to internal users.

Key Responsibilities

Cloud Administration

• Assist in the administration and maintenance of cloud environments such as Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365.
• Monitor cloud resources for performance, availability, and security.
• Manage and maintain cloud-based backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes to ensure system availability and organizational resilience.
• Lead cloud migrations and implementation projects.
• Knowledge of NSG/AVD/ASR and VM standup within azure environment

Security Administration

• Monitor security alerts and investigate potential threats.
• Support endpoint protection, antivirus, and vulnerability management programs.
• Perform routine security audits and reviews of user access rights.
• Assist in implementing and maintaining security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Respond to and investigate security incidents, coordinating containment, remediation, escalation, and documentation as appropriate.
• Create and maintain phishing awareness campaigns and cybersecurity training initiatives.

Identity & Access Management

• Manage user provisioning and deprovisioning processes.
• Assist with maintaining Active Directory, Azure Active Directory (Entra ID), and group policies.
• Understanding, implementation, and maintenance of SSO for all applications.
• Support Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Conditional Access policies.
• Review and enforce least-privilege access controls as it pertains to the minimum necessary rule.

System & Network Support

• Assist with server, workstation, and network administration tasks.
• Troubleshoot cloud, security, and connectivity issues.
• Support patch management and system updates.
• Document configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate system documentation.
• Assist with compliance audits and security assessments.
• Support initiatives related to cybersecurity frameworks and best practices.
• Generate reports on cloud utilization, security incidents, and system health.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent work experience.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in systems, cloud, endpoint management, or cybersecurity administration.
• Strong working knowledge of cloud computing technologies, with hands‑on experience administering Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 environments.
• Familiarity with Windows Server, Active Directory, and networking fundamentals.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, including endpoint protection, firewalls, MFA, and access control.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Must have satisfactory background checks

Preferred

• Experience with:
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Microsoft 365 Administration
  • Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
  • Microsoft Defender
  • Intune / Endpoint Manager
  • VMware or Hyper‑V
  • PowerShell scripting
  • Windows Server Administration
  • Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
• Identity & Access Management (IAM)
• Industry certifications such as: Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) , Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) , CompTIA Security+ , CompTIA Network+

Working Conditions

• The position does require travel to group homes and other state offices periodically.
• The employee is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms using a keyboard and video display terminal.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and climb stairs.
• The employee must maintain emotional control under stress
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The work environment is a standard office setting including standard office equipment (fax, copier, phone, computer, etc.)
• Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable qualified people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of this position.

Employees at Aspire enjoy working with a collaborative and dedicated team that values a culture of belonging and care. We take pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance - Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options - Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON - Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match - A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
• Generous Paid Time Off - Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays.
• Professional Growth Opportunities - Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
• Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services and more!

Aspire Living & Learning believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.