Systems Administrator

Samford-University; Homewood (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Samford University is seeking a Systems Administrator to maintain the university’s core IT systems, focusing on user management, email administration, and automation. You will handle tickets, manage access in Microsoft 365, Entra ID, and Active Directory, and ensure secure operation of networked services.

The ideal candidate is proficient in PowerShell with experience managing email flow and security (DKIM/SPF/DMARC), certificates, and security tools like Windows Defender and Cisco IronPort.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field; or 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Minimum 1 year of systems administration or network support experience.
• Hands-on experience managing Microsoft 365, Entra ID, and Active Directory environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automation and troubleshooting.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to report to work 5 days a week.

Responsibilities

• Document issues and maintenance activities in the Technology Services ticket system.
• Install and configure server and storage hardware; monitor performance and backups.
• Issue management: user accounts, groups, and access provisioning in M365/Entra ID/AD.
• Administer and optimize email flow and security (DKIM, SPF, DMARC).
• Manage certificates; ensure secure deployment and timely renewals.
• Develop and maintain PowerShell scripts to automate tasks; streamline workflows.
• Support VMware or other virtualization environments and assist with infra projects.

Skills

PowerShell scripting

Microsoft 365

Entra ID

Active Directory

Email security

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT, CS, or related field

Tools

Windows Server

VMware

Cisco IronPort

Windows Defender

Job description

The Systems Administrator is responsible for maintaining and supporting the university’s core IT systems, with a primary focus on user management, email administration, and automation. This position handles technical service tickets, manages system access within Microsoft 365, Entra ID, and Active Directory, and ensures secure, efficient operation of the institution’s networked services. The ideal candidate is a skilled PowerShell user with experience managing email flow, certificates, and security technologies such as Windows Defender and Cisco IronPort.

• Document all issues and maintenance-related activities in the Technology Services ticket management system.
• Install and configure server and storage hardware.
• Manage user accounts, groups, and access provisioning in Microsoft 365, Entra ID, and Active Directory.
• Monitor and respond to tickets related to account access, system performance, and infrastructure issues.
• Administer and optimize email flow and security, including DKIM, SPF, and DMARC configurations; troubleshoot routing through Windows Defender and Cisco IronPort.
• Manage certificates for internal and public-facing systems, ensuring timely renewals and secure deployment.
• Develop and maintain PowerShell scripts to automate recurring administrative tasks and streamline workflows.
• Assist with server and storage management, including performance monitoring, backups, and patching.
• Support VMware or other virtualization environments.
• Participate in infrastructure projects and document all maintenance and support activities within the ticket management system.
• Maintain the team’s documentation library, ensuring system records are accurate and updated.
• Follow established change control processes for system upgrades and configuration changes.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Provide weekly task and project status reports to the Director of Network Systems and Infrastructure.
• Assist with other projects or tasks as directed by the Director of Network Systems and Infrastructure.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Candidates who have at least three (3) years of relevant experience in systems administration (Windows or Linux) or network systems will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in systems administration or network systems support.
• Experience in Windows and/or Linux server administration.
• Hands-on experience managing Microsoft 365, Entra ID, and Active Directory environments.
• Knowledge of certificate creation, deployment, and renewal processes.
• Demonstrated proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automation and troubleshooting.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Must be able to report to work 5 days per week.
• Must be able to view screens and monitor systems continuously for up to 8 hours per day.
• Must be able to traverse the campus as needed for troubleshooting and network maintenance.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds.

• Experience with storage array networks and network-attached storage.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Experience with VMware or other virtualization technologies.
• Experience configuring and monitoring email delivery and security solutions.