IT Systems Administrator that has a background in networking, security, servers, management systems, and media production. Listed pay is the starting salary range.

Vista School focuses on education by applying performing arts and technology to engage students. Recently, Vista School was named "The Gold Standard in Charter Schools". Vista School recently nearly doubled the size of its facilities and technology. The IT System Administrator will aid in bringing solutions to the technology needs in the classrooms, administration, performances, and our robotics programs. If you are looking for a great place to apply your IT skills there is no better place to work than Vista School.

If you a self-motivated tech leader who naturally looks at the bigger picture? We are seeking a visionary IT System Administrator who takes complete ownership of our school's digital landscape. In this role, your ultimate mission is seamless reliability: assuring that all systems are proactively maintained, secured, and always up and running so that technology "just works" for our students, faculty, and staff.

You will be the eyes and ears of all things technical around the school. We are looking for a forward-thinking problem solver who doesn’t just maintain the status quo, but actively brings new ideas and strategic solutions to enhance our current systems and streamline our processes.

Key Responsibilities1. Proactive Infrastructure & Network Management

• The "Just Works" Standard: Maintain maximum uptime for all network systems (routing, switching, and campus-wide Wi-Fi) to ensure zero disruption to the learning environment.
• Big-Picture Architecture: Continuously evaluate the school's server environment (virtualized and physical), storage, and cloud infrastructure to ensure they scale with the school’s future needs.
• Technical Awareness: Keep a pulse on all hardware and software systems across campus, anticipating bottlenecks or lifecycle replacements before they impact end-users.

2. Security, Compliance & Data Privacy

• School Safety & Privacy: Oversee cybersecurity frameworks, firewalls, web filtering, and endpoint security to protect institutional data. Ensure strict adherence to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and CIPA regulations to safeguard student privacy and data security.
• Disaster Recovery: Manage rigorous backup systems and failover protocols so the school is resilient against outages.
• Identity Management: Administer Google Workspace/Active Directory and Single Sign-On (SSO) systems for seamless, secure user access.

3. Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Visionary Solutions: Actively research, propose, and implement innovative technologies and modern solutions to optimize and elevate the school's current IT infrastructure.
• Process Optimization: Evaluate existing workflows and technical processes, identifying inefficiencies and introducing automated or improved methodologies to enhance team productivity and end-user experience.

4. Help Desk Leadership & Vision

• Team Mentorship: Lead and develop Help Desk employees, fostering a culture of excellent customer service, rapid resolution, and proactive problem-solving.
• Root-Cause Analysis: Guide the team to look beyond individual support tickets to identify systemic issues and implement permanent fixes.

About You (Required Qualifications & Traits)The Ideal Candidate: You don't wait for things to break, and you don't settle for "the way we've always done it." You are driven by a sense of ownership, possess a deep curiosity about emerging tech, and are excited to bring fresh ideas to the table to make our technical ecosystem better every day.

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in systems and network administration. Experience in a K-12 or Higher Ed environment is a major plus.
• Mindset: Highly self-motivated with a visionary approach to IT; proven ability to manage projects independently, see the "macro" view, and drive organizational change.
• Technical Toolkit:
• Strong hands-on experience with enterprise routing, switching, and high-density Wi-Fi (e.g., Cisco, Aruba, Ubiquiti).
• Proficiency in Windows/Linux servers, virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V), and cloud environments.
• Solid understanding of data privacy laws (FERPA) and network security best practices.
• Communication: Ability to translate complex technical realities and visionary ideas into clear, compelling concepts for non-technical educators and leadership.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs (servers, network hardware, etc.).
• Must pass a comprehensive background check and fingerprinting (as required by state law for school employees).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Dental Insurance
• Flexible Schedule
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Professional Development Assistance
• Retirement Plan
• Vision Insurance