Anticipated - Systems Administration Specialist

Systems Administration Specialist

Our Mission for Cambridge Lakes Learning Center is to educate children by cultivating curiosity, challenging minds, and inspiring excellence through collaborative learning experiences.

OUR VALUES IN ACTION. We're looking for professionals who value:

The Whole Child

Shared Responsibility

Curiosity in Action

Creative Problem Solving

Growth Through Challenge

Excellence with Integrity

AT CAMBRIDGE LAKES WE ARE ALL LEARNERS. Our staff is: Resilient, Principled, Playful, Explorers, Empathetic & Reflective.

POSITION SUMMARY. The Systems Administrator is responsible for the daily management, maintenance, and security of NKEC's technology infrastructure, including networks, devices, enterprise systems, and instructional technology platforms. This role ensures reliable, secure, and effective technology access for all staff and students, and serves as the primary technical resource for the organization.

Required Skills

PROFESSIONAL STAFF ROLE, REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES. At Cambridge Lakes Learning Center, all staff are learners. In this role, you will:

Network & Infrastructure Management

• Administer, monitor, and maintain NKEC's network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points, and internet connectivity, ensuring reliable uptime and performance across all school sites.
• Manage servers, cloud environments, and data storage systems; apply patches, updates, and configurations in accordance with security best practices and vendor guidance.
• Proactively identify and resolve network performance issues, connectivity failures, and infrastructure vulnerabilities before they impact operations or instruction.
  
  

Device & Systems Administration

• Deploy, configure, and maintain end-user devices, including staff laptops, student Chromebooks/iPads, printers, and peripheral equipment, across all NKEC locations.
• Administer enterprise software systems, including the Student Information System (SIS), payroll/HR platforms, Google Workspace, and other institutional tools; manage user accounts, permissions, and system integrations.
• Maintain hardware and software inventory; manage the technology asset lifecycle from procurement through retirement, including tracking, disposal, and replacement planning.
  
  

Cybersecurity & Data Privacy

• Implement and maintain cybersecurity protocols, including endpoint protection, data encryption, access controls, and multi-factor authentication, in compliance with NKEC policy and applicable regulations.
• Ensure compliance with FERPA, COPPA, and Illinois student data privacy requirements; maintain documentation and controls that protect student and staff data from unauthorized access.
• Monitor system logs and security alerts; respond to incidents promptly and coordinate with leadership on breach response, recovery, and policy updates.
  
  

Instructional Technology Support

• Provide responsive technical support to instructional staff, ensuring that classroom technology, including interactive displays, projectors, document cameras, and learning platforms, is operational and accessible.
• Collaborate with academic leadership to evaluate, pilot, and implement instructional technology tools and platforms that support learning goals and the Cambridge Lakes Portrait of a Learner.
• Deliver training and support resources that build staff confidence and proficiency with technology tools, platforms, and systems.
  
  

Help Desk & User Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all technology support requests; triage, prioritize, and resolve issues efficiently through a help desk or ticketing system.
• Maintain clear documentation of support requests, resolutions, system configurations, and procedures to enable continuity and knowledge transfer.
• Communicate technical information in clear, accessible language to non-technical stakeholders; ensure staff feel supported and informed throughout issue resolution.
  
  

Vendor Management & Budget Support

• Manage relationships with technology vendors, service providers, and contractors; coordinate procurement, licensing renewals, and service agreements.
• Track technology expenditures and support administration in annual technology budget planning, including hardware refresh cycles, software licensing, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Evaluate new technologies, tools, and platforms to improve operational efficiency, instructional effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness across NKEC.
  
  

CLLC Professional Standards

• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and customer service (UX) in all interactions with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with supervisors and cross-functional colleagues.
• Champion Cambridge Lakes' Professional Excellence Framework and model full engagement in professional responsibilities as outlined in the Guide to Excellence and Employee Handbook.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3–5 years of experience in systems administration, IT support, or a related technical role; experience in a K–12 school or educational environment preferred.
• Proficiency in network administration, Google Workspace administration, Microsoft environments, and device management platforms
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, data privacy regulations (FERPA, COPPA), and IT compliance best practices.
• Relevant certifications (CompTIA A , Network , Security , Google Certified Administrator, or equivalent) preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills, customer service orientation, and ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical users.
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Meet the standards outlined in the contract.
• On-site role within a school setting; regular presence required across campus to support staff, students, and infrastructure needs.
• Moderate physical activity, including equipment installation, cable management, and movement throughout the building; occasional lifting of equipment up to 40 lbs.
• Schedule may include occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours for system maintenance, upgrades, or emergency response.
• Valid driver's license preferred; may require travel between NKEC sites on occasion.
  
  

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU: PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK. We invest in staff success through our Professional Practice Advancement (PPA) program.

Compensation

• Competitive compensation with adjustments to align with the market and skills
• Professional Practice Advancement (PPA) contingent bonus is paid out twice a year
  
  

Full-time Benefits

• Tuition-Free Preschool
• Competitive Retirement Benefits, including Healthcare, Vision, and Dental (see Handbook & Guide to Excellence for most current benefits)
  
  

Salary Range: $52,000 – $72,000 annually. Placement within the range is determined by relevant education, professional experience, and applicable certifications

Disclaimer

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.