Network & Security Administrator

Who We Are:
Are you ready to join a team where your talent creates lasting change? At Northern Illinois Food Bank, every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our Neighbors, so that everyone in Northern Illinois has the food they need to thrive! Together we are a dedicated and innovative team committed to ending hunger in Northern Illinois. We embrace diverse perspectives, collaboration, and continuous learning, we celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and foster a culture of growth, optimism, and teamwork.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Northern Illinois Food Bank will embrace opportunities to stand in solidarity with our community, and center the voices of those most impacted by systematic injustices. We affirm our commitment to anti-racism, to gender equity, to allyship, and to fairness as we work towards a hunger-free future and to create a better and more just world.  

The Opportunity:
The Northern Illinois Food Bank seeks an extraordinarily motivated candidate to join our team as a Network & Security Administrator. This role will design, implement, and maintain a hybrid network infrastructure that integrates Azure cloud environments with physical switches and routers deployed at four different locations.  The Network & Security Administrator works closely under the guidance of senior engineers to ensure the infrastructure is secure, scalable, and reliable, using Azure best practices and hybrid networking principles. 

This Full-Time position is based out of our West Suburban Center (Geneva) location. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design, configuration, and implementation of a hybrid network combining Azure virtual networks (VNets) with on-premises physical switches and routers across four sites.
• Configure and maintain physical network equipment (switches, routers, and firewalls) to ensure seamless connectivity between on-premises locations and the Azure environment.
• Implement Azure ExpressRoute or VPN gateways to securely connect on-premises locations to Azure.
• Deploy and configure Azure-native security tools (e.g., Azure Firewall, Network Security Groups) to protect cloud resources.
• Work on implementing on-premises security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and VLAN segmentation.
• Apply best practices for hybrid identity management using Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and secure access to physical and cloud-based resources.
• Monitor hybrid network performance and connectivity using tools like Azure Network Watcher, Azure Monitor, and SNMP-based tools for physical devices.
• Assist in diagnosing and resolving connectivity issues between on-premises sites and Azure, including routing, bandwidth, and security problems.
• Perform routine maintenance on physical switches, routers, and firewalls to ensure optimal performance.
• Learn and apply the Azure Well-Architected Framework principles to hybrid deployments, ensuring security, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
• Support compliance efforts by adhering to regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, GDPR, or ISO 27001 for hybrid network infrastructure.
• Collaborate with senior engineers, system administrators, and DevOps teams to integrate physical and Azure networks securely.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of hybrid network configurations, including physical topology, Azure setups, and security policies
• Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.
    

Who You Are: 
You’re driven, compassionate, and excited to bring your unique skills to a purpose-driven organization. You have a strong commitment to our mission and: 

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 1-3 years’ experience in IT management or a related role, preferably in a nonprofit setting. 
• Basic knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, VLANs, routing protocols).
• Preferred certifications: AZ-900, Azure Network Engineer Associate, CCNA (or similar).
• Familiarity with Azure networking (VNets, VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute).
• Understanding of configuring and troubleshooting switches/routers (Cisco, Juniper, or similar).
• Awareness of cybersecurity principles and tools (firewalls, IDS/IPS, Azure Security Center).
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and effective communication.

 Why Join Us: 

• Make a Difference: Every role at Northern Illinois Food Bank directly impacts the lives of those we serve. 
• Flexible Work Environment: We value work-life balance.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. The starting salary range for this position is $54,892 - $68,615/annually, based on skills and experience.   
• Growth Opportunities: Invest in your career with professional development, career mapping, and leadership training.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse, collaborative team that values equity and belonging.

How to Apply: 

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply online at https://solvehungertoday.org/about/join-our-team/.  Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter that highlights your passion for our mission and your relevant skills.

Northern Illinois Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented diverse workforce where all employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. We intentionally seek out diverse perspectives and skills on our teams, knowing that it makes us stronger as an organization and better equipped to serve our neighbors in need. We encourage individuals from historically under-represented communities and individuals with lived experience of hunger to apply.