Systems Administrator

Hillsdale College Hillsdale, Michigan, United States Information Technology

About this position


Position Title: Systems Administrator

Posting Number: S250P

Department: Information Technology Services

Position Type: Staff


Job Description:
Job Summary

This position is on-site in Hillsdale, MI.

We are seeking a seasoned Systems Administrator with experience in large, distributed campus environments to join our 45+ person ITS team at Hillsdale College. You will be responsible for designing, provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting the server infrastructure that supports the College’s academic and operational missions. As a vital member of the Network and System Administration team, you will ensure the reliability and security of both on-premises and cloud-integrated systems that serve our faculty, staff, and students.

Working closely with the broader ITS department, this role focuses on maintaining a robust hybrid environment. You will serve as an expert in the design and optimization of Windows servers and Hyper-V virtualization within a large enterprise network. This position requires deep technical expertise in managing Azure Cloud infrastructure, specifically focusing on Azure Active Directory (Entra ID), Single Sign-On (SSO), and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to ensure seamless and secure access across the College’s digital landscape.

Essential Job Functions

Server Infrastructure Management and Support

  • Design, deploy, and manage the College’s server infrastructure, including physical hardware, Hyper-V clusters, and storage platforms (Pure Storage) to ensure high availability and performance.
  • Maintain and optimize Virtualization environments, focusing on Hyper-V administration, disaster recovery (DR) operations, and performance tuning for a large enterprise network.
  • Administer Microsoft Defender Suite, including Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, and Defender for Cloud, to proactively identify threats, manage vulnerabilities, and respond to security incidents across the hybrid environment.
  • Manage Identity and Access by serving as an expert in Windows Active Directory, Group Policy (GPO), and the hybrid integration of Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure AD), including SSO and MFA.
  • Administer Web and Application Servers, providing management and support for Microsoft IIS (ASP.NET/.NET Core) as well as Linux-based stacks (Apache, MySQL, PHP).
  • Automate and Streamline administrative tasks using PowerShell scripting to increase efficiency, reduce manual errors, and improve service levels across the server fleet.
  • Monitor and Analyze system health using tools like Zabbix and Azure Monitor to proactively identify bottlenecks, security vulnerabilities, and hardware trends.
  • Perform Lifecycle Management, including predicting hardware needs, purchasing, and implementing upgrades, patches, and reconfigurations for both on-premises and cloud-based systems.
  • Ensure Data Protection & Cyber Resilience by managing immutable cloud-based backups using Dell APEX / Druva. This includes configuring policies to protect against ransomware, accidental deletion, and unauthorized data modification.
  • Collaborate on Network Services, managing critical services including DNS, DHCP, SNMP, and HTTP/HTTPS, while maintaining a solid understanding of routing and VLANs.
  • Support Modern Endpoints by managing Windows Intune for device configuration and supporting Microsoft 365/Office 365 collaboration tools.
  • Provide periodic after-hours support and travel to remote campus locations as needed to address critical infrastructure issues and meet the demands of a 24/7 residential campus.


Operational Excellence

  • Collaborate across all ITS Teams to align server infrastructure with the College’s academic and operational goals.
  • Document and Share Knowledge by contributing to a central knowledge management system, including server configurations, troubleshooting guides, and recovery procedures.
  • Prepare and present reports for ITS leadership on infrastructure health, capacity planning, and security compliance.
  • Engage in at least 40 hours of continuing education annually to stay current with Windows Server advancements, virtualization technologies, and security best practices.


Required Qualifications:
Education & Experience

At least 4 years of experience as a Systems Administrator in an enterprise or educational environment, with a proven track record of managing high-availability infrastructure.
Associate degree or higher in BIS, MIS, Computer Science, or equivalent professional experience.


Other Skills:
Expert-level Skills

  • Hyper-V & Virtualization: Deep expertise in Hyper-V clusters, performance optimization, and disaster recovery.
  • Identity Management: Advanced knowledge of Windows Active Directory, Group Policy, and Microsoft Entra configuration.
  • Windows Server Administration: Proficiency in managing modern Windows Server environments and IIS (ASP.NET support).
  • Scripting & Automation: High proficiency in PowerShell for system automation and configuration management.
  • Core Network Services: Expertise in DNS management, DHCP, and web protocol (HTTP/HTTPS) troubleshooting.


Proficient-level Skills

  • Linux Administration: Experience configuring and managing Debian, Ubuntu, or CentOS environments.
  • Storage & Hardware: Familiarity with Pure Storage or similar enterprise storage platforms and hardware procurement.
  • Cloud & Hybrid Systems: Working knowledge of Azure Cloud services, Microsoft Intune, and Cloudflare WAF/Domain management.
  • Database Support: Ability to perform basic administration for Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL.
  • Monitoring Tools: Experience with systems analysis and monitoring platforms like Zabbix.
  • Compliance: Knowledge of HIPAA and FERPA regulations within a network and server environment.

Desired Training and Certifications

  • ITIL 4 Foundation
  • Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
  • CompTIA Security+
  • MCSE / MCSA (Legacy certifications)

Code of Commitment

Be a good representative of Hillsdale College, promoting its mission, original Articles of Association, and Staff Code of Commitment. The teaching of Christian faith shall remain a conspicuous aim of the College.


Physical Demands:
Must be able to work on-site in Hillsdale, MI; able to lift or move 25 lbs., climb ladders, and install equipment in confined spaces (under desks, ceilings, etc.).



Open Date: 03/04/2026


Open Until Filled: Yes


Supplemental Questions:

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).



    Documents Needed To Apply (Required Documents & Optional Documents): Required Documents
    1. Resume
    Optional Documents
    1. Cover Letter