System Administrator

United Planning Group; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental/MetLife

Vision/VSP

401k Safe Harbor

Sick Leave

Vacation Leave

Personal Days

Paid Holidays

Job summary

United Planning Organization (UPO) is seeking a System Administrator in Washington, DC to manage and secure in-house systems, networks, and applications. The role requires ensuring availability, continuity, and regulatory compliance across IT platforms.

The position operates within the Office of Technology and Information Systems and offers a competitive salary in the stated range, with benefits and a criminal background check process.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in a technical IT position.
• Must have effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with current systems software, protocols, and standards including Active Directory and Windows Server.

Responsibilities

• Manage and tune in-house computer software systems and network connections for high availability and security.
• Respond to incidents and drive security initiatives with IT teams.
• Perform backups, restores, and root cause analyses to mitigate attacks.
• Monitor network components and document specifications and inventory.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Self-directed

Education

Bachelor’s degree in information technology

Tools

Active Directory

Windows Server

Firewalls

LAN/WAN administration

Helix Service Manager

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

System Administrator

Full Time Regular Full-Time 301 Rhode Island Ave NW, WDC 20001 (OT), Washington, DC, US

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services.

POSITION: System Administrator

DIVISION/OFFICE: Office of Technology and Information Systems

BULLETIN No: 01092026

SALARY RANAGE: $80,000-$85,000 (Commensurate with experience)

OPENING DATE: September 16, 2026

FIRST SOURCE: N/A

JOB SUMMARY :

Manage and tune in-house computer software systems and network connections to ensure high levels of availability and security of the supported business applications. This individual also participates in the planning and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure system provisioning and maintenance that is consistent with company goals, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements. This person will interact with the information technology teams to respond to incidents, and drive security initiatives.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION :

Enhance the maturity of the security posture by creating new use cases, identifying security gaps, and performing continuous assessments of current security capabilities. Manage communications and connection solutions, including workstation connectivity, local area networks, company website, intranet, and Internet applications. Manage end user accounts, permissions, access rights, and storage allocations in accordance with best practices regarding privacy, security, and regulatory compliance. Provide technical assistance and support for incoming requests and issues related to computer systems, software, and hardware. Perform and test routine system backups and restores. Perform root cause analysis to identify attack vectors and provide mitigation recommendations to prevent future attacks. Practice network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information. Analyze system, server, application, network, and input/output device performance. Recommend, schedule, and perform software and hardware improvements, upgrades, patches, reconfigurations, and/or purchases. Respond to queries either in person, over the phone, or via email. Monitor Helix Service Manager for tickets assigned to the queue and process based on the IT Helpdesk priority policy. Enhance the maturity of the security posture by creating new use cases, identifying security gaps, and performing continuous assessments of current security capabilities. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Five (5) years of experience in a technical position within an IT department. Possess effective and professional communication skills, both written and verbal. Must be self-directed, detail oriented, and organized. Working technical knowledge of current systems software, protocols, and standards, including firewalls, Active Directory, windows server. Strong knowledge of LAN/WAN administration and hands‑on software and hardware troubleshooting experience.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, and ten (3) years of experience working in an IT department.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre‑employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

• Dental/MetLife, all employees paid
• Vision/VSP, all employees paid
• 401k, Safe Harbor Match-5.5% given as a benefit, will match 1% of staff contribution
• Sick Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
• Vacation Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
• 2 Personal Days
• Paid Holidays

This position IS NOT IN the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt