Systems and Cloud Administrator

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.