Information Technology Operations Manager

Lake Forest Academy is seeking an IT Operations Manager to play a key role in expanding our technology portfolio.  This position will be at the forefront of LFA’s technology initiatives, help expand a modern campus infrastructure, and be central to leading our support offerings.  This role will have direct reports, will report to the Director of Information Technology, and will actively contribute to the expansion of LFA’s innovation services catalog.

The successful candidate will be well-versed in professional communications and be capable of managing a concierge-level of support services.  The ideal candidate should also have experience in systems, networking, software administration, and project management.

General Responsibilities:

• Supervise and direct the operations of the IT Service Desk
• Manage, maintain, and secure server, network, and telecommunication systems to ensure reliable and quick access to information while preventing attacks from outside sources
• Monitor network and systems performance to ensure maximum uptime
• Assess system performance and recommend improvements
• Oversee the management and licensing of computer/mobile device software applications
• Oversee the management and licensing of Cloud services and SaaS / PaaS / IaaS
• Set up and configure servers for the management of applications and IT systems
• Oversee the installation, configuration, and management of applications and operating systems on company-approved devices
• Provide cell phone plan management, provisioning, and assignments
• Conduct internal audits to verify the security and efficiency of an organization’s network
• Maintain backups and DR solutions to ensure critical data and systems are safe
• Oversee and supervise IT projects ranging from network and systems installs to physical infrastructure and wiring
• Work with the greater LFA community to ensure proper IT support response and continue to build stronger strategic relationships with stakeholders
• Manage related vendor contracts and relationships
• Develop IT service policies, procedures, and best practices
• Investigate ways to reduce IT systems cost
• Resolve issues escalated by other IT service members
• Ensure data is handled, transferred or processed according to all organization requirements

IT Management Qualifications:

• Proven experience in IT Management, Systems, and Network Administration
• Project Management experience
• Solid aptitude for research and problem-solving
• BS/BA in IT or relevant field
• Bonus qualification - MS/MA in IT or relevant field

Technology Experience Qualifications:

• Google Workspace and a wide scope of SaaS administration experience
• Systems virtualization and related infrastructure (Nutanix Preferred)
• Meraki Networking, Firewall / Wireless
• DHCP / DNS administration experience (ApplianSys preferred)
• Windows Server / Active Directory / RADIUS experience
• SIS / LMS experience (Veracross / Canvas preferred)
• MDM / endpoint management (Meraki / Intune preferred)
• Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh, Apple iPad, and related hardware / software support experience
• Bonus qualification - Relevant industry certifications (CompTIA, Cisco, Meraki, Google, Microsoft, etc)

Other skills and/or characteristics:

• Strong and proven leadership skills
• Strong customer service skills 
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong and proven organizational skills
• Willing to occasionally work non-traditional hours and go above assigned duties
• Desire to work as a member of a team
• Upholds LFA standards of professional courtesy, discretion, and confidentiality

Compensation/Benefits:

This is a full-time benefit-eligible position with a pay range between $90,000 - $100,000 and 30 days of PTO per fiscal year.  Lake Forest Academy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes full medical and dental coverage, retirement benefit, and other benefits. For more information, visit www.lfanet.org/employment.