Systems and Cloud Specialist

Job Summary: The Systems and Cloud Administrator is responsible for the administration, maintenance, and security of Spartanburg Methodist College’s Microsoft-centric technology environment, including cloud platforms, on-premises server infrastructure, and enterprise applications. This position manages identity and access systems, endpoint management, email and collaboration tools, and virtualization systems. Working in a small, collaborative IT environment, the Administrator is expected to develop expertise quickly, take ownership of assigned systems, and support the college’s commitment to secure, reliable technology operations.

Essential Functions:

• Administer and maintain Microsoft 365 services including Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint Online, and OneDrive for Business; manage tenant configuration, licensing, service health, and adoption support
• Manage Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) including user and group provisioning, conditional access policies, single sign-on (SSO) integrations, and directory synchronization
• Administer Microsoft Intune and Autopilot for endpoint enrollment and provisioning, device configuration profiles, compliance policies, and application deployment (Windows and Mac where applicable)
• Maintain on-premises Windows Server infrastructure, including Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP
• Administer and support virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere and/or Microsoft Hyper-V), including virtual machine lifecycle management, resource allocation, performance monitoring, and platform transitions as needed
• Perform server patching, updates, and preventive maintenance to ensure system security, stability, and reliability
• Support print services, file sharing, and related on-premises infrastructure to enable reliable campus operations
• Maintain and monitor the data backup environment (Veeam or similar); verify backup integrity, manage restore procedures, and document retention policies
• Develop and maintain PowerShell scripts and automation workflows to reduce manual processes and improve operational efficiency
• Monitor system health, performance, and security alerts; respond to and resolve incidents promptly and escalate as appropriate
• Assist in planning and executing migrations of on-premises workloads to Microsoft Azure and other cloud-based solutions, consistent with the college’s cloud strategy
• Implement and maintain cybersecurity controls including multi-factor authentication (MFA), Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and privileged access management
• Create and maintain accurate system documentation including configurations, procedures, change records, and diagrams
• Provide escalation support to IT Support Specialists for complex systems and application issues
• Collaborate with other IT staff across all areas of information technology to support the college’s technology needs and deliver responsive customer service
• Stay current on Microsoft cloud technologies and higher education IT practices through self-study, Microsoft Learn, and professional development
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Vice President for Information Technology & Analytics

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 administration (Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) including user and group management
• Understanding of Windows Server environments, including Active Directory and Group Policy fundamentals
• Basic scripting ability; PowerShell preferred
• Strong analytical troubleshooting skills across cloud and on-premises environments
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a small, collaborative IT environment
• Commitment to data privacy, security, and compliance in a higher education context
• Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to responsive support for faculty, staff, and students\
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks effectively, and follow through on assignments to completion
• Exposure to or interest in Microsoft Azure services and cloud migration concepts (e.g., Azure VMs, networking, identity)
• Understanding of backup and recovery concepts, including backup verification and restore testing

Preferred Qualifications:

• Microsoft certifications, such as Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900), or equivalent
• Familiarity with VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V
• Experience with Veeam Backup & Replication or similar enterprise backup solutions
• Familiarity with Microsoft Sentinel, Defender for Endpoint, or similar security tools

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in an office and server room environment, with occasional movement across campus. Some after-hours and weekend work may be required for scheduled maintenance windows, emergency response, and outage remediation.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, stand, and move around the campus
• Occasionally lift and carry equipment up to 50 pounds (servers, UPS units, etc.)
• Manual dexterity to install and configure technology components
• Sufficient near vision to read information on computer displays and printed materials
• Adequate hearing and verbal abilities to communicate effectively in person and by telephone

Education and Experience: Associate’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Relevant Microsoft or industry certifications and demonstrated technical experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements. 0–2 years of experience in systems administration, cloud administration, or a related technical role. Entry-level candidates with strong Microsoft certification preparation and relevant academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

About the College: Founded in 1911, Spartanburg Methodist College is a private residential liberal arts institution serving a diverse student population within the United Methodist Connection. Since its founding as the first co-op school in the nation, SMC has remained dedicated to its mission to connect education and employment. After over 100 years as an Associate Degree granting institution, the college launched its first bachelor’s degree in 2019. SMC is growing significantly, adding new programs, and consistently evaluating operations because of a campus-wide commitment to innovation and a passion for designing all campus programs to serve its student population intentionally. Today, the college’s emphasis on education and employment includes a unique professional development concentration comprised of eight required courses for students seeking associate and bachelor’s degrees. SMC is committed to its student demographic and believes that global impact is possible through their success.

Spartanburg Methodist College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any legally protected status in any personnel action regarding the recruiting, hiring, and promotion of faculty and staff members.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of a background investigation. SMC participates in the federal E-Verify program.

SMC does not maintain an open application file. Unsolicited resumes will not be considered.