Systems Administrator

Walker Sands•Chicago, IL

6d•$55,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Walker Sands is seeking a Systems Administrator to support its continued growth and manage the agency’s technology environment. The role is based in the Chicago office with a hybrid work arrangement and has an expected starting salary of $55,000–$60,000 per year, with eligibility for a company-performance-based bonus. The Systems Administrator will manage productivity platforms, SaaS identity and access, Mac endpoint deployment and support, network and conference-room technology, security practices, backups, and approved AI tools. The role also supports employees through helpdesk services and collaborates with People Operations on onboarding and offboarding. The administrator documents systems and procedures, assists with client security and compliance requests, and manages IT vendors and software licenses.

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 device 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 employees’ 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 juggle several priorities and learn new tools quickly.
Proactive, collaborative, organized, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Nice To Haves

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.
Experience with Rippling and/or Windows.

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.
Manage identity and access across SaaS applications, including single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, role-based access, regular access reviews, and company-wide 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 encryption, macOS updates, and endpoint protection.
Coordinate endpoint onboarding and offboarding with People Operations, including provisioning accounts and devices, recovering hardware, wiping devices, and revoking access.
Triage and resolve helpdesk tickets in person and remotely, prioritize them by impact and urgency, escalate to vendors when needed, and identify recurring issues.
Administer UniFi and Cisco Meraki switching and wireless access points, and Palo Alto Networks firewalls, including security policies and firmware updates.
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; handle reported phishing and spam by tuning email filters and removing malicious messages; and help investigate and respond to security incidents.
Manage backup, disaster recovery, monitoring, and alerting for critical systems, and test restores on a regular schedule.
Administer ChatGPT and other approved AI tools, including workspace settings and data and privacy controls, and guide employees on safe use.
Automate repetitive administrative work with AI tools to improve support and documentation.
Document systems, procedures, and policies, and assist with client security questionnaires and compliance requests.
Manage SaaS licenses and IT vendors, and recommend tools to improve how the company works.

Benefits

Company-performance-based bonus potential.
Growth opportunities, including career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events.
Flexible PTO, including vacations, mental health, and personal days.
Eight paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Mental health resources.
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.