Desktop Support Specialist

The North Dakota State University Foundation seeks mission-driven individuals interested in joining a growing team dedicated to connecting people, developing partnerships, teamwork, accountability, transparency, stewardship, communication, and service. The Foundation invites candidates for a Desktop Support Specialist, full-time non-exempt (hourly) position.

The North Dakota State University Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) organization which exists to maximize advocacy and philanthropy to support NDSU. We connect people who are passionate about NDSU and improving the lives and outcomes of North Dakotans and the world. We are an organization of sixty team members and growing. If you enjoy non-profit work, are inspired by our mission, love to collaborate with your colleagues, and are ambitious to develop as a professional, we welcome you to apply.

Our team members enjoy a highly competitive total compensation package including company paid health insurance, a defined contribution account funded at 9.5%, generous paid time off, abundant professional development opportunities, plus elective dental and vision plans.

This role is assigned to the Fargo, North Dakota, NDSU Foundation office. This position may be eligible for limited amount of hybrid work following a period of onboarding.

This position will remain open until filled. To be considered, applicants must apply online through the NDSU Foundation employment site ( and include a cover letter and resume.

Position Summary

The Desktop Support Specialist supports a variety of technology services within a collaborative office environment. As the first point of contact for technical support, this position involves troubleshooting end-user hardware and software issues, maintaining IT systems, and SharePoint administration tasks. The role also includes hands-on work with hardware installation and imaging, inventory tracking, onboarding new employees, and collaborating with third-party technical support teams.

Essential Responsibilities

• Technology Services
• Serve as the first point of technical contact for 60+ staff members in an office setting
• Provide user support by troubleshooting PC and mobile device hardware and software issues, printers and copiers, researching technical solutions, and collaborating with MSP technicians to resolve problems efficiently
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Technology Services on software implementation and licensing, apply desktop-level updates and patches, proactively support video conferencing systems, and maintain accurate and up-to-date technical documentation
• Assist the VP of Information Services and the Associate Director of Technology Services in implementing security standards and policies
• Learn new software and provide end user training
• Assist with maintaining and monitoring the technical infrastructure of public-facing Foundation websites to ensure site integrity and performance
• Hardware Services
• Maintain the Foundation’s comprehensive hardware inventory by tracking all assets
• Add new equipment, as directed, and deprovision outdated hardware, according to the hardware lifecycle Install, image, and configure workstation hardware according to standards and industry best practice
• Assist new employees with initial access and hardware training
• Assist in the collection of hardware and equipment for departing employees
• SharePoint Administration Support
• Assist the Associate Director of Technology Services in maintaining the Foundation’s SharePoint environment, including site structure, permissions, and content organization
• Support the creation, configuration, and maintenance of SharePoint sites, libraries, lists, and pages according to established governance standards
• Apply changes to user access by provisioning and deprovisioning permissions, troubleshooting access issues, and ensuring appropriate security controls are applied in accordance with approved process
• Provide end user support and training for SharePoint, including navigation, document management, naming conventions, and collaboration features
• Supports a service-oriented atmosphere in accordance with Foundation mission, values, and philosophy
• Adheres to policies and procedures
• Assists with the day-to-day inflow of development communications requests
• Manages workload to meet quality standards and timeline expectations
• Adapts appropriately to unforeseen changes, delays, and requests
• Maintains strict confidence of non-public Foundation information
• Develops and maintains own competence; seeks opportunities for continued learning and professional development
• Assists in control of Foundation resources
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Functions

• Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities
• Ability to efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to maintain files accurately, in paper and in software programs
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to plan, prioritize and meet deadlines
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization
• Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, internal staff, University community and the public
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information
• Ability to display excellent judgment and decision making
• Ability to follow through on projects with little supervision
• Ability to spot problems
• Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science or closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2 years professional experience working in an office or customer service setting, with at least 1 of those years working in IT support or help desk roles
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
• Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work and communicate patiently and professionally with a variety of customers
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Windows Server and Active Directory/Entra, and SharePoint
• Experience with HTML, Javascript, CSS, WordPress and plug-ins
• Experience working within a higher education or non-profit organization

Physical Demands

Constantly operate a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office, determine what others have said or written, critical thinking and converse with others and exchange accurate information. Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and within the community. May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving objects. Occasionally required to move, raise, reach and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds.

The position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities, duties and requirements: but to describe the standard level of work being performed. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned or as required by the needs of the business. The NDSU Foundation reserves the right to add or change the duties of the position at any time.

The NDSU Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, or participation in lawful activity off the employer's premises, as applicable.