Information Technology System Administrator

Organization Overview

FOCUS is a Catholic outreach whose mission is to share the hope and joy of the Gospel with the world. FOCUS invites college students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization. We welcome dedicated professionals who are passionate about impacting lives for Christ, developing the next generation of Catholic leaders, and contributing their talents to our organization’s mission.

Position Summary

The Systems Administrator will be a key contributor to the maintenance, expansion, and security of FOCUS’s technology infrastructure. Reporting to the Director of IT, this position is responsible for ensuring the stability and reliability of on-premise systems, cloud-based services, and a variety of enterprise applications. The Systems Administrator will collaborate with IT team members, end users, and various departmental stakeholders to implement best practices, monitor performance, and remediate issues. This is a full-time, on-site position in Golden, Colorado.

Key Responsibilities

1. On-Premise Infrastructure Management

• Server Administration: Install, configure, and maintain Windows Server (2016/2019/2022) and Linux distributions (Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat).
• Virtualization: Manage VMware vSphere/ESXi environments, performing tasks such as provisioning virtual machines, optimizing resource allocation, and handling hypervisor updates/patches.
• Storage & Backup: Configure and administer SAN/NAS solutions (e.g., Dell EMC, NetApp). Oversee backup and recovery processes using tools like Veeam or Commvault.
• Networking & Security: Support network devices (Cisco, Juniper, Meraki) and firewalls (Cisco ASA, Fortinet, Palo Alto, SonicWall). Monitor and troubleshoot VPN, load balancers, IDS/IPS, and network monitoring solutions (SolarWinds, Nagios).
• Directory Services & Identity Management: Manage on-premises Active Directory and Group Policy settings to maintain a secure and efficient environment. Additionally manage cloud hosted Azure Active Directory / Entra.

2. Cloud & Hosted Services

• Public Cloud Platforms: Assist in deploying, configuring, and monitoring Azure and AWS resources.
• Microsoft 365 Administration: Support Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, OneDrive for Business, and Azure AD (Entra). Manage user accounts, licensing, and security policies (conditional access, MFA, SSO).
• Cloud Infrastructure & DevOps: Participate in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) initiatives (e.g., Serverless, AWS CloudFormation). Assist in automating deployments using CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps, Bitbucket Pipelines, GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions) and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Cloud Security & Compliance: Implement cloud security posture management tools (e.g., Prisma, AWS Security Hub) and best practices in IAM, Zero Trust Architecture, and compliance requirements.

3. Security & Compliance

• Endpoint Detection & Response: Deploy and manage EDR solutions (e.g., CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender, Sophos).
• SIEM & Vulnerability Management: Maintain or assist with SIEM tools (Splunk, Azure Sentinel) and vulnerability scanners (Tenable Nessus, Qualys, Rapid7).
• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Collaborate on DR planning, testing, and implementation using tools such as Zerto or VMware SRM.
• Compliance: Support organizational adherence to GDPR/CCPA, NIST, ISO 27001, CIS, and other applicable frameworks.

4. Database & Data Management

• Database Platforms: Provide basic administration and troubleshooting for Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL instances.
• Data Warehousing & Reporting: Collaborate with senior team members on SSIS/Azure Data Factory pipelines, Power BI/Tableau, and ETL/ELT processes as needed.
• CRM/ERP Systems: Assist in the maintenance and integration of systems like Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, or other enterprise platforms.

5. Scripting & Automation

• Scripting Languages: Utilize PowerShell, Python, or Bash to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.
• DevOps & Infrastructure as Code: Contribute to version-controlled configuration files (YAML/JSON) and use Git-based platforms (GitHub, GitLab) for collaboration and deployments.

6. Collaboration & Support

• User Support & Incident Response: Respond to escalated support tickets via a ticketing system (e.g., ServiceNow, Zendesk, Freshservice). Troubleshoot issues to ensure timely resolution.
• Project Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams and IT leadership on projects involving new system implementations, upgrades, or migrations.
• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Maintain up-to-date technical documentation in Confluence, SharePoint Wiki, OneNote, or other platforms. Share knowledge with junior team members and end users.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education & Experience:

*Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (equivalent work experience accepted).

*3-7 years of hands-on experience in systems administration.

• Technical Proficiencies:

*Familiarity with Windows Server (2016/2019/2022), Linux OS (Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat), Active Directory, and Group Policy.

*Experience administering virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere/ESXi).

*Basic networking skills (switches, routers, firewalls, VPN).

*Exposure to cloud platforms (Azure, AWS), Microsoft 365 administration, backup tools (Veeam, Commvault), and EDR solutions (CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender, Sophos).

*Scripting skills in PowerShell, Python, or Bash.

• Preferred Experience:

*Working knowledge of Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, AWS CloudFormation) and CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps, GitLab CI/CD, etc.).

*Familiarity with SIEM tools (Splunk, Azure Sentinel), vulnerability management (Tenable Nessus, Qualys, Rapid7), and Zero Trust security principles.

*Exposure to databases (SQL Server, PostgreSQL) and data pipelines (SSIS, Azure Data Factory).

*Any relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft MCSE, VMware VCP, AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator) are a plus.

• Soft Skills & Attributes:

*Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

*Excellent communication, documentation, and teamwork capabilities.

*Ability to multitask and adapt to shifting priorities.

*Eagerness to learn new technologies and expand skill sets.

• Mission & Values Alignment:

*Commitment to uphold and support FOCUS’s Catholic mission and values.

*Ability to work collaboratively in a faith-based environment, respecting the Catholic identity of the organization.