Systems Administrator

The Denver Foundation; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 96,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Retirement plan contributions

Tuition assistance

Medical insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

The Denver Foundation is seeking a hands-on Systems Administrator to join our IT team. This full-time, exempt role focuses on maintaining Windows and Linux systems, identity management, device management, and secure infrastructure.

You will own day-to-day operations, troubleshoot complex issues, and drive reliability, security, and efficiency across cloud and on-prem platforms in a nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in systems administration, infrastructure, or IT operations.
• Hands-on experience administering Windows Server.
• Experience with Active Directory/Entra ID.
• Experience with Intune and/or SCCM for endpoint management.
• Experience administering Microsoft 365 in a business environment.
• Solid networking knowledge including VPN, firewalls, switches.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and ownership of operational outcomes.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain Windows Server and Linux systems.
• Manage Active Directory / Entra ID, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and file services.
• Handle system patching, updates, configurations, and health.
• Oversee Windows endpoints with Intune and SCCM; manage imaging and deployments.
• Support network infrastructure, VPNs, firewalls, and Wi-Fi.
• Administer Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace; manage licenses and access.
• Support backup operations, DR readiness, and security controls.
• Document systems and run small- to mid-sized infrastructure projects.

Skills

Windows Server

Active Directory / Entra ID

Intune / SCCM

Microsoft 365

Networking fundamentals

VMware / Hyper-V

Backup / disaster recovery

Documentation / troubleshooting

Job description

Position Overview

Systems Administrator

The Denver Foundation is seeking a hands-on, technically capable Systems Administrator to join our IT team. This is a full-time, exempt position with a starting salary of $96,000–$108,000 per year, depending on experience.

This is an ideal opportunity for a strong mid-level Systems Administrator who enjoys taking ownership of systems and infrastructure, solving problems independently, and working across a broad technology environment.

This is not primarily a help desk role, and it is not intended to be a senior engineering, architecture, or management position. We are looking for someone who can independently manage day-to-day systems operations while identifying opportunities to improve reliability, security, efficiency, and the overall technology experience.

What You'll Do

Systems & Identity Administration

• Administer and maintain Windows Server and Linux systems.
• Manage Active Directory / Entra ID, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and file services.
• Manage system patching, updates, configurations, and system health.
• Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshoot complex system issues.
• Maintain accurate system documentation and standard configurations.

Endpoint & Device Management

• Manage Windows endpoints using Intune and/or SCCM.
• Oversee device enrollment, imaging, application packaging, and updates.
• Maintain device compliance, security baselines, and standard configurations.
• Troubleshoot escalated endpoint issues and partner with the Service Desk when needed.

Network & Infrastructure

• Support network infrastructure including firewalls, switches, wireless, and VPN.
• Monitor system and network performance and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
• Coordinate with vendors for infrastructure support and maintenance.
• Maintain network and infrastructure documentation.

Cloud & Productivity Platforms

• Administer Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other SaaS platforms.
• Manage accounts, licenses, groups, permissions, and access controls.
• Support secure configuration and rollout of new tools and features.
• Troubleshoot email, collaboration, file storage, and other productivity-platform issues.

Security, Backup & Reliability

• Support endpoint protection, MFA, and foundational security controls.
• Manage backup operations and perform periodic restoration testing.
• Support disaster recovery and business continuity readiness.
• Participate in access reviews, audits, and security improvement initiatives.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain system documentation, diagrams, inventories, and procedures.
• Independently plan and execute small- to medium-sized infrastructure projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, security, and user experience.
• Partner with IT leadership and other teams on technology improvements.
• Support the secure configuration and responsible use of AI-enabled tools.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will have approximately 3–7 years of experience in systems administration, infrastructure, or IT operations and be comfortable personally administering a variety of business-critical systems.

Required Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in systems administration, infrastructure, or IT operations.
• Hands-on experience administering Windows Server.
• Hands-on experience with Active Directory and/or Entra ID.
• Experience managing Windows endpoints using Intune and/or SCCM.
• Experience administering Microsoft 365 in a business environment.
• Working knowledge of networking infrastructure and concepts, including firewalls, switches, VPN, and Wi-Fi.
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies such as VMware or Hyper‑V and backup systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize work and take ownership of operational outcomes.
• Strong organization, documentation, and follow‑through.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non‑technical audiences.
• Strong customer‑service orientation.
• Ability and willingness to learn new technologies independently.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Linux server administration experience.
• PowerShell or other scripting/automation experience.
• Google Workspace administration experience.
• Backup, disaster recovery, or business continuity experience.
• Experience working in a small‑to‑medium‑sized organization.
• Nonprofit or mission‑driven organization experience.
• Experience supporting security or compliance initiatives.
• Experience with data classification, security, governance, or compliance platforms.
• Experience supporting new technology implementations.
• Experience configuring or managing enterprise AI tools.

AI experience is a plus, but it is not a substitute for strong core systems and infrastructure experience.

The Ideal Candidate

• Enjoys owning and maintaining systems.
• Can move comfortably between servers, identity, endpoints, cloud platforms, networking, and troubleshooting.
• Takes initiative rather than waiting to be told what needs attention.
• Investigates problems thoroughly and follows them through to resolution.
• Thinks proactively about system reliability, security, and prevention.
• Documents their work and values consistent processes.
• Can prioritize competing operational needs.
• Knows when to solve an issue independently and when to involve IT leadership or a vendor.
• Communicates effectively with both technical and non‑technical colleagues.
• Is curious and comfortable learning technologies they haven't worked with before.
• Values reliability and service as much as technical sophistication.

What We Offer

• Paid time off
• Retirement plan contributions
• Tuition assistance
• Medical insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in an office environment and generally operates during regular business hours. Occasional work outside of regular hours may be required for maintenance, upgrades, or issue resolution.

The position may occasionally require carrying objects up to 50 pounds, working in cramped spaces or on ladders, and performing early morning or evening work.

Why Join The Denver Foundation?

This is an opportunity to have broad ownership across an organization's technology environment while working with a collaborative IT leadership team. Your work will have direct visibility and impact, with opportunities to expand your technical breadth, lead infrastructure improvements, and support technology that advances a meaningful community‑focused mission.

The Denver Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diverse strengths, perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences and encourage candidates from traditionally marginalized communities to apply.

Pay Range

USD $96,000.00 - USD $108,000.00 /Yr.