Research Systems Administrator

Job Summary

The Research Systems Administrator supports the technology environment that enables the operational and administrative functions of Sponsored Programs Administration within the ODU Research Foundation. This position is responsible for maintaining and supporting the organization’s computing infrastructure, network environment, and enterprise systems used to manage research administration, financial operations, and organizational reporting.

This role provides direct technical support for staff and administrators, including diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, and system issues; managing user access and permissions; and supporting the installation, configuration, and maintenance of workstations, applications, and networked systems. The position develops and maintains system documentation, supports helpdesk operations, and helps ensure reliable system performance, security, and availability.

In addition, the Research Systems Administrator supports system upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and operational initiatives that support the evolving technology needs of Sponsored Programs Administration for the ODU Research Foundation, a separate 501©(3) entity. This role works collaboratively with their supervisor and organizational partners to help support secure, reliable, and effective technology services across the Foundation’s research administration environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), including user and group management, organizational units, account lifecycle management, NTFS permissions, and delegated access controls.
• Working knowledge of Windows Server administration, including domain controllers, file/print services, DNS , and DHCP .
• Working knowledge of computer networks, hardware, and desktop operating systems.
• Basic knowledge of network security principles and data protection practices.
• Working knowledge of systems troubleshooting and helpdesk support practices.
• Working skill in diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues.
• Considerable ability to follow and interpret technical documentation and procedures.
• Working ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-technical users.
• Considerable ability to work collaboratively under direction while managing assigned tasks independently.
• Demonstrated progressively responsible experience in IT support, including working responsibility for systems support and Active Directory (AD DS) administration in a professional environment.
• Experience providing considerable direct end-user support in a structured organizational setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of VMware virtual environments and administration.
• Basic knowledge of Remote Desktop Services, IIS & SQL Server, databases, and reporting tools.
• Certification in Microsoft, CompTIA, Security+, or related IT support technologies.
• Working knowledge of Group Policy administration.
• Considerable experience providing multi-level helpdesk support.
• Working knowledge of backup and disaster recovery tools.
• Considerable knowledge of nonprofit or higher education IT environments.
• Considerable ability to provide system training and end-user documentation.
• Basic knowledge of project coordination principles.