Systems Administrator

Walker Sands•Chicago, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Walker Sands is seeking a Systems Administrator to support the agency’s continued growth. The role administers the company’s productivity platforms, identity and access management, Mac devices, networks, security operations, backups, AI tools, and IT vendors. It also provides hands-on employee support, maintains documentation, and contributes to client security questionnaires and compliance requests. The position is based in the Chicago office and is hybrid.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in IT systems administration or a similar role.
Hands-on administration experience with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, and Zoom.
Deep macOS knowledge and experience managing MacBook fleets with an Apple-focused MDM, such as Mosyle, including automated enrollment through Apple Business Manager.
Experience with identity management, SSO, MFA, and a business password manager such as 1Password.
Hands-on experience with UniFi, Cisco Meraki, and Palo Alto Networks equipment.
Working knowledge of network concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and VPNs.
Experience triaging a helpdesk queue and supporting employee IT needs.
Knowledge of security practices, including least-privilege access, patch management, endpoint protection, and phishing response.
Familiarity with ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, and understanding of how to roll them out securely.
Comfort writing scripts in at least one language.
Clear written and spoken communication skills and patience with non-technical colleagues.
Ability to manage several priorities and learn new tools quickly.
Demonstrates a commitment to excellence, proactive problem-solving, effective time management, organization, and collaboration.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Rippling and/or Windows.
Experience with AWS or Google Cloud.
Experience supporting SOC 2, ISO 27001, or client security reviews.
Certifications such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, or Google Workspace Administrator.

Responsibilities

Administer Google Workspace, including user lifecycle, groups and permissions, shared drives, email routing and authentication, and third-party app access.
Administer Microsoft 365, Slack, and Zoom, including licensing, user provisioning, integrations, retention policies, and conference rooms.
Oversee identity and access management across SaaS applications, including SSO, MFA, role-based access, access reviews, and 1Password administration.
Deploy, configure, and secure MacBook Pro and MacBook Air devices through MDM and Apple Business Manager, including zero-touch enrollment, configuration profiles, FileVault, macOS updates, and endpoint protection.
Coordinate endpoint onboarding and offboarding with People Operations, including account and device provisioning, hardware recovery, device wiping, and access revocation.
Triage and resolve helpdesk tickets in person and remotely, prioritize by impact and urgency, escalate to vendors as needed, and identify recurring issues.
Administer network equipment, including UniFi and Cisco Meraki switches and wireless access points, and Palo Alto Networks firewalls.
Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot conference-room and event-space A/V equipment, including displays, cameras, microphones, and Poly Studio hardware.
Manage security awareness training and phishing simulations, respond to reported phishing and spam, tune email filters, remove malicious messages, and help investigate and respond to security incidents.
Manage backup, disaster recovery, monitoring, and alerting for critical systems, and regularly test restores.
Administer ChatGPT and other approved AI tools, including workspace settings, data and privacy controls, and employee guidance on safe use.
Automate repetitive administrative work with AI tools to improve support and documentation.
Document systems, procedures, and policies, and help answer client security questionnaires and compliance requests.
Manage SaaS licenses and IT vendors, and recommend tools that improve how the company works.

Benefits

Bonus eligibility based on company performance.
Career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events.
Flexible PTO, 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Mental health resources and pet insurance.
Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
Life insurance and disability coverage.
Employee Assistance Program with confidential support, counseling, and mental health resources for employees and their households.
Paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies addressing fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, and adoption challenges.
Regular performance reviews, goal-setting, and ongoing coaching.
Two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift after five years.
Employee resource groups and volunteer opportunities.