Systems Administrator

VISION: Transform the university through the power of generosity.

MISSION: Unite donor passions with university priorities to elevate the impact of Oklahoma State University.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: The OSU Foundation Technology Services and Security Department provides secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions and services to the Oklahoma State University community in order to maximize its strategic fundraising capabilities. 

PRIMARY PURPOSE: The Systems Administrator is responsible for managing the security, availability, and performance of OSU Foundation information systems and cloud services needed to support fundraising for Oklahoma State University. 

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS:

Primary Responsibility #1 (40%) Information System Administration to Ensure Secure, Efficient, and Reliable Operation

• Provide systems administration for all servers, cloud services, identity providers, security systems, networks, storage systems, communication systems, and appliances to ensure that information availability is maximized.
• Monitor systems for anomalies and performance issues, applying corrective changes or recommending new solutions to address issues.
• Automate common administration and support tasks using AI and tools such as Copilot, Intune, Power Automate, scripts, and workflows to increase efficiency and lower time spent on repetitive tasks.
• Research and recommend improvements to or replacements for existing services and processes.

Primary Responsibility #2 (40%) System Protection and Response to Maintain the Confidentiality and Integrity of Information Systems

• Secure information systems to ensure that access is available only to individuals with authorization, ensuring that data cannot be altered without appropriate approval, and that current patches and policies are applied to all systems and services.
• Provide support for critical security incidents at all times.
• Maintain Identity Services to protect systems with SSO, MFA, and other identity controls.
• Ensure that backup systems are fully operational, and that restore operations are documented and tested.

Primary Responsibility #3 (20%) Service Implementation to Advance Technology Solutions and Improve Organizational Processes.

• Operationalize new projects designed by Technology Services and Security engineering staff.
• Implement small-scale projects.
• Perform on-site and remote desktop support duties during staff absences and periods of high support demand.
• Cross-train Desktop Support Specialist, Systems Engineer, interns, and team lead to develop technical talent and strengthen team capabilities. 

Other duties as assigned.

JOB COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE:
Education & Certifications:

BA/BS degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

Experience: 

• Minimum of 3 years professional experience in information systems.
• Expertise with identity and access management platforms (e.g., Okta, Entra ID, Active Directory).
• Proven ability to implement and maintain security policies, standards, and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated utilization of AI, scripting, and automation tools to streamline administrative and security processes.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft 365, Windows Server, and Linux; Azure services proficiency preferred.
• Strong understanding of networking for on-premises and cloud environments, including firewalls, application gateways, and VPNs.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, collaborate effectively, and maintain professionalism.
• Positive attitude with a sense of humor and ability to foster a fun, team-oriented environment.

Organizational Competencies: 

• Effective Communication: Proactively ensures effective communication throughout the organization; makes relevant contributions to discussions and meetings, giving clear and concise explanations and sticking to the point; chooses language and communication method to suit the audience, reframes and articulates to help others understand; asks questions to check understanding when disseminating information.
• Execution & Initiative: Motivates self and others to achieve the best results, displaying energy, drive and a desire to succeed; enlists the support of others as necessary to overcome resistance; supervises cross-functional project team execution on tasks to meet stated objectives; helps other employees’ gain the skills and experience they need to contribute; proactively outlines milestones, outcomes and deliverables and effectively communicates them to internal and external stakeholders.
• Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Develops and nurtures formal & informal relationships with a wide circle of people beyond those involved in current activities, including potential donors, stakeholders, and information links; encourages collaboration among colleagues, departments and entire organization to achieve results; compromises, handles conflicts, seeks common ground, articulates own and others goals; stays focused on positive win-win outcomes; seeks input on how to leverage existing processes to improve the donor experience; translates ideas into action.
• Problem Solving/Judgment: Gains understanding of how to apply approved policies and procedures; when and why escalation of issues is needed and to whom and communicates decisions and desired outcomes to others; anticipates the outcome of a single decision; recognizes problems in advance, systematically gathers information to define the root cause, breaks down complex information into component parts, develops alternatives, seeks input from others, selects and recommends the best solution.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Embraces complex or first-time problems as opportunities to learn and incorporate new skills; flexes style based on immediate needs; accepts responsibility for implementing change; evaluates and manages resources needed to implement change; personally supports (in words and actions) organizational direction and change agenda.
• Courage & Conviction: Takes responsibility for individual & project outcomes regardless of success and learns from all results; encourages candid responses, feedback, new ideas and conflicting opinions.
• Donor Centered: Takes time to actively learn about the stated needs by asking questions, exploring how to unite the donors and university’s passions and priorities; anticipates customer needs and proactively makes recommendations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must use a computer terminal and view a computer screen for extended periods of time. Must talk in person or by phone (frequently and sometimes for extended periods) to people on campus and across the country. Must constantly use visual acuity to check printed and designed materials of various types. Must be able to navigate within the OSU Foundation. Typical office working conditions.