Senior Systems Administrator

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to join the Strategic IT team. This role involves designing and implementing integrations between cloud and on-premise systems, while ensuring high availability and security across platforms.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with Microsoft technologies and a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This is a two-year term position based in Charlottesville, VA, offering a competitive salary range of $80-95k commensurate with education and experience.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in systems administration.
• Strong knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365.
• Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement enterprise integrations for cloud and on-premise systems.
• Support and maintain IT infrastructure for high availability.
• Manage Darden's cybersecurity posture and compliance.

Skills

Systems administration

Windows Server

Active Directory

Microsoft 365

Cybersecurity

PowerShell scripting

Virtualization technologies

Networking

Education

Bachelor's degree

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft technologies

Hyper-V

Dell server hardware

Azure services

TCP/IP

Job description

Senior Systems Administrator

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business seeks a Senior Systems Administrator to join their Strategic IT team. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and validating enterprise integrations that connect cloud and on-premise systems used by the Darden School of Business.

The Senior Systems Administrator is responsible for supporting and maintaining enterprise IT infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring high availability, performance, and security across all platforms. This role also plays a key role in maintaining Darden's cybersecurity posture through security compliance management, infrastructure hardening, patch governance, and adherence to UVA ITS Security Standards. In addition, this role will manage the Darden's Security Scorecard program, as part of the overall UVA security posture, which is reported to UVA President's office on a quarterly basis. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with Microsoft technologies, virtualization, networking, and automation, along with a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

This is a two-year term limited position with benefits, with the possibility of extension for up to an additional year.

This position is based in-person in Charlottesville, VA and may require occasional after-hours support and participation in on-call rotations. The position may involve both on-site infrastructure support and cloud-based administration.

Salary range: 80-95k will be commensurate with education and experience.

Key Responsibilities

Infrastructure & Server Administration

• Install, configure, and maintain Windows Server environments
• Procure, install, and manage Dell server hardware
• Administer and optimize Hyper‑V environments, including virtual machine deployment, migration, and lifecycle management
• Perform system patching, upgrades, and capacity planning
• Maintain infrastructure patching and lifecycle management to support operational stability and institutional security compliance

Identity & Directory Services

• Administer Microsoft Active Directory, Entra ID, and associated services
• Manage hybrid identity environments and synchronization between on-premises and cloud platforms
• Support authentication, access control, and directory services

Cloud & Microsoft 365

• Manage Microsoft 365 services, including hybrid Exchange environments
• Administer Azure services, including IaaS and PaaS solutions
• Plan and execute migrations from on-premises infrastructure to Azure
• Monitor and optimize cloud performance and resource utilization

Networking

• Manage TCP/IP Meraki-based physical networks
• Manage virtual Azure cloud networks
• Manage site-to-site VPN configurations between physical and cloud networks

Backup, Recovery & Continuity

• Manage and monitor backup systems and processes
• Perform regular backup validation and integrity testing
• Develop, maintain, and execute disaster recovery and business continuity plans

Monitoring, Performance & Automation

• Monitor system performance and analyze metrics to ensure optimal operation
• Identify and resolve performance issues
• Develop and maintain automation using PowerShell and related tools
• Monitor and improve security posture metrics and remediation workflows associated with Darden's Security Scorecard

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain system and network security best practices across on-premises and cloud environments
• Ensure Darden adheres to UVA ITS Security Standards and maintains all required security compliance measures to support the safety and security of Darden systems, infrastructure, and institutional data
• Directly manage Darden's Security Scorecard program, including oversight of infrastructure-level security posture, device management, vulnerability remediation, patch compliance, and data security controls
• Coordinate and maintain timely system patching and endpoint compliance to support institutional cybersecurity objectives and audit readiness
• Support encryption standards, vulnerability management initiatives, and remediation efforts across enterprise systems
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations (e.g., FERPA, PCI, SOX, HIPAA)

Documentation

• Create and maintain accurate system documentation, procedures, and knowledge base materials

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma, Associate's Degree Preferred.
• Experience: 3 years of experience.
• Licensure: None.

Preferred Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant professional experience required. May consider combination of relevant experience, education, certification(s) in lieu of degree.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven experience in systems administration within a Microsoft-based environment
• Strong knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365
• Experience in implementing cybersecurity controls under NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology, standards or equivalent
• Experience with Azure cloud services and hybrid infrastructure
• Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation
• Solid understanding of networking concepts and enterprise infrastructure
• Experience with virtualization technologies, particularly Hyper‑V
• Experience with large‑scale cloud migrations preferred
• Familiarity with enterprise monitoring and management tools preferred
• Industry certifications (e.g., Microsoft, Azure, CompTIA, or similar) preferred

Professional Development

This role requires an ongoing commitment to learning and professional growth. As technologies evolve, the Systems Administrator is expected to participate in relevant training and development activities to maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support organizational operations and emerging technologies.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.