Apple Systems Administrator

Northeastern Illinois University•Chicago, IL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for the administration, support, and lifecycle management of Apple-based infrastructure, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and associated devices, in support of the University’s academic, research, and administrative mission. The role leads the planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and upgrade of Apple technology solutions, ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient operations across all campus environments. The position provides technical support and consultation to administrators, faculty, staff, and students, while also directing and coordinating assigned technical staff. In addition to its primary focus on Apple technologies, the role collaborates with system administrators across Windows, Linux, cloud, identity, and network platforms to ensure interoperability, consistent security practices, and alignment with institutional standards. Responsibilities include developing documentation and training materials, delivering user and staff training, and supporting cross-platform initiatives. The position also oversees device lifecycle management, including deployment, monitoring, maintenance, and refresh, utilizing modern endpoint management practices to maintain security, compliance, and an optimal user experience.

Requirements

Any one or any combination totaling 5 years (60 months) from the following categories: A. College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT Systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months) Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months) 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months) B. Work experience in IT-related functions such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field, which includes supervisory or lead worker capacity.
Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position may be required.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience administering enterprise endpoint management solutions (e.g., Jamf Pro, Microsoft Intune, or equivalent), including Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Automated Device Enrollment (ADE/DEP) for provisioning, configuration, and lifecycle management of devices.
Experience creating, packaging, testing, and deploying applications for macOS and iOS devices (e.g., PKG development, scripting, App Store distribution), along with maintaining patch management and software update processes.
Working knowledge of cross-platform environments, including Windows endpoint management tools (e.g., MECM/SCCM, Intune) and/or Linux systems, with the ability to support integration across platforms.
Knowledge of endpoint security practices and tools, including encryption technologies (e.g., FileVault, BitLocker), endpoint detection and response (EDR), vulnerability management, and compliance standards.
Demonstrated experience supporting large-scale device deployments and lifecycle management in a multi-user environment, preferably within higher education settings, including instructional labs, classrooms, and faculty computing needs.
Demonstrated ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex technical issues independently, while working effectively in a team-oriented, cross-functional environment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop technical documentation, knowledge base articles, and training materials, and to deliver end-user and technical training to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

Serves as the University’s primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Apple technologies (macOS, iOS, iPadOS) while contributing to the design and support of a diverse, enterprise endpoint environment that includes Windows, Linux, and cloud-managed devices.
Provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership supporting academic, research, and administrative functions.
Designs, implements, and maintains secure, scalable endpoint solutions across Apple and other supported platforms.
Leads adoption of modern endpoint management solutions (e.g., Jamf Pro, Microsoft Intune, MECM) and Apple Business Manager for automated provisioning and lifecycle management.
Establishes and enforces endpoint standards (hardware, OS, security, compliance) across multiple platforms in alignment with university policies and cybersecurity frameworks.
Conducts needs assessments and develops cross-platform technical solutions aligned with institutional priorities.
Oversees full lifecycle management of endpoint devices, including deployment, configuration, patching, upgrades, and retirement.
Evaluates and approves technical specifications, vendor solutions, and procurement recommendations for endpoint technologies.
Leads pilot initiatives and enterprise deployments across all campuses and hybrid environments.
Supervises and supports technical staff and student employees, including task assignment, mentoring, training, and performance feedback.
Coordinates and supports enterprise deployment and operational management of endpoint devices across multiple platforms.
Manages large-scale device refresh programs for student labs and faculty/staff computing environments across Apple and non-Apple platforms.
Implements modern provisioning methodologies, replacing legacy imaging with automated, policy-driven configuration and software deployment.
Creates, tests, and maintains application packages for macOS and iOS devices (e.g., PKG, scripts, App Store apps), ensuring compatibility with operating systems and institutional standards.
Deploys and manages application distribution to Apple endpoints using MDM platforms (e.g., Jamf Pro, Microsoft Intune), including version control, updates, and license management.
Develops and maintains automated application deployment workflows, patch management processes, and update strategies to ensure applications remain secure, current, and compliant.
Provides Tier 2/3 escalation support for complex endpoint, system, and integration issues across macOS, Windows, and related platforms.
Ensures endpoint security, system performance, and compliance with established standards.
Collaborates with infrastructure, cloud, and network teams to ensure reliable connectivity, authentication, and system integration.
Supports cross-platform solutions including virtualization, VDI, and cloud-based application delivery.
Implements and maintains endpoint security controls across platforms, including encryption, authentication, and compliance enforcement.
Develops and maintains policies, standards, and procedures for endpoint and device management across Apple and non-Apple systems.
Participates in IT service lifecycle management, including service evaluation, enhancement, and retirement.
Monitors service performance and recommends improvements based on operational metrics and user feedback.
Develops and delivers training sessions, workshops, and instructional materials for faculty, staff, students, and IT personnel.
Maintains standard operating procedures along with knowledge base content, documentation, and self-service support resources.
Communicates service updates, changes, and best practices to the University community.
Promotes effective, secure, and efficient use of University technology resources.
Leads and participates in cross-functional initiatives to support University technology objectives.
Collaborates with academic and administrative units to gather requirements and develop scalable, cross-platform solutions.
Leads and/or contributes to projects involving infrastructure, cloud services, identity and access management, cybersecurity, and academic technologies.
Serves as liaison between University stakeholders, IT teams, and external vendors.
Prepares technical documentation, project plans, and solution recommendations.
Other duties as assigned.