Network & Security Administrator

NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK • Geneva, IL

13h • $55,645 - $59,123 • Onsite

About The Position

Northern Illinois Food Bank seeks an extraordinarily motivated candidate to join our team as a Network & Security Administrator, supporting the organization’s technology infrastructure through the design, implementation, and maintenance of a hybrid network environment integrating Azure cloud services with physical switches and routers across four locations. This role focuses on ensuring a secure, scalable, and reliable infrastructure by working under the guidance of senior engineers and applying Azure best practices and hybrid networking principles, while contributing to broader IT initiatives as organizational priorities evolve. This Full-Time position is based out of our West Suburban Center (Geneva) location.

Requirements

• 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).
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred certifications: AZ-900, Azure Network Engineer Associate, CCNA (or similar).
• Familiarity with Azure networking (VNets, VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute).

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.

Benefits

• 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 and support flexible work models.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.
• This starting range for this position is $55,644.90 - $59,122.71/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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level