Systems Administrator

Regional Support Office Oakland, California


Description

Position Summary
On the KIPP NorCal's Technology Team, the Systems Manager oversees or directly owns all things systems, including responsibilities associated with daily, monthly, and annual Tech Systems administration, response to systems tickets in the help desk, and systems implementation/improvement projects. Systems include employee lifecycle management such as Google Enterprise and BetterCloud, inventory management (Jamf, Meraki, Apple School Manager, Asset Panda), cyber security and safety systems (Securly, Cortex), and a number of other regionally supported systems (e.g., Slack). The Systems Manager oversees these systems with student and staff experience in mind, and layers onto this the lens of cybersecurity, cost, and durability to maintain. 

 

In addition to technical administration of our Tech Systems, to support ticket management and drive larger improvement projects, the Systems Manager must have strong customer service and communication skills, and be an effective project manager. You will be required to bridge the gap between complex technical concepts and understandable explanations for our school communities and junior staff on the Tech Team.

 

This position will report to the Associate Director of Technology over Tech Improvement Projects, and is based in our downtown Oakland office. The AD of Tech will work with you to set the vision and direction for our systems use, and support effective stakeholder engagement on major improvement projects that require input to set direction or strong roll-out for fidelity of implementation. 

 

This is a hybrid role with the expectation that 2-3 days per week be spent onsite at our school campuses or at our Regional Support Office in Oakland.

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

Experience:
  • Minimum 4 years experience in systems administration: Proficiency in technical administration of core IT systems, such as identity and access and device management platforms, collaboration tools, and cloud-based services (e.g., Google Workspace, Jamf, Apple School Manager). Experience with email systems, directory services, and cloud infrastructure management is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive strategic IT initiatives, lead cross-functional teams, and align technology solutions with organizational goals. Experience transitioning from hands-on administration to a more managerial role focused on planning, resource allocation, and process improvement.
  • Strong technical troubleshooting skills and ability to drive technical issues through to resolution independently as well as through a junior systems administrator through coaching and mentorship.
  • Extensive experience in automating IT operations and system maintenance tasks using advanced scripting in PowerShell, Python, or similar, to ensure optimal system performance and reliability.
  • Proven expertise in systems administration, including advanced skills in scripting, automation, and troubleshooting complex IT systems, with a comprehensive understanding of software deployment and system security measures.
  • Project management and execution skills with ability to learn, grow, ask questions, prioritize among competing goals, and exhibit flexibility in a fast‐paced, entrepreneurial environment.
  • Work experience in a K-12 educational setting or other mission-driven environment.

 

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is preferred.

 

Knowledge/skills required:
  • Demonstrated systems thinker and builder with a human-centered approach to solving complex problems.
  • Proficiency in technical administration of core IT systems, such as identity and access and device management platforms, collaboration tools, and cloud-based services.
  • Experience with email systems, directory services, and cloud infrastructure management.
  • Strong technical troubleshooting skills and ability to drive technical issues through to resolution independently as well as through coaching and mentorship.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to synthesize and break down complex problems into lay terms for technical and non-technical stakeholders, verbally and in written communication.
  • Passion for KIPP Public Schools’ Northern California mission and a focus on what is best for students and school staff.
  • Strong learning orientation with ability to turnkey learning and feedback into continuous improvement.

 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

 

(45%) Systems Management and Administration: Oversight of the ongoing administration,  maintenance, and day to day activities of the following systems. 
  1. Key Systems: 
    1. Student & Staff account lifecycle management (Google Enterprise, BetterCloud, Apple School Manager)
    2. Inventory Management systems (JAMF, Meraki, & Asset Panda)
    3. Other Security & Safety (Securly, Cortex, Verkada)
    4. Other staff systems (Zoom, Slack, MS Office) 
    5. Other student systems (Clever IDM, Adobe)
    6. Go Daddy, AWS, WordPress
  2. Key Responsibilities: Administer these systems with the following criteria in mind(1) student & school staff experience, (2) cyber security and compliance with cyber insurance, (3) financial cost considerations, and (4) durability of the solution for the school and regional office to maintain.
    1. Data Quality and Incident Monitoring: Own data and process quality assurance by running routine checks and tests on systems to ensure compliance with business practices. Provide timely responses to these checks and tests, sharing results with ADs of Tech when encountering obstacles. Monitor and analyze system logs weekly for incidents. For high-risk issues or those affecting user experience, promptly communicate the problem, resolution options aligned with established criteria, and recommendations.
    2. System Updates and User Experience: Share timely system updates with the Tech Team during Tech All Hands Meetings and/or Sys/Tech meetings, focusing on clear and digestible information aligned with purpose, as directed by ADs of Tech. Ensure updates consider user experience by proactively researching upgrade implications, developing written test plans, and setting milestones/dates for manager review. For updates impacting end-users, obtain manager approval before implementation.
    3. Own documentation of processes for administering and configuring these systems so that there is redundancy in your role, such that the Junior Sys Admin or AD of Tech could fill-in when you’re on PTO. 
    4. Assess compliance with Industry Standards for Cyber Security: Ensure adherence to the Center for Internet Security (CIS) controls, as per the organization's security policies and guideline. 
  3. Makes recommendations to the ADs of Tech on the roles/responsibilities split between this role and the Junior Sys Administrator. Plays an active role in the technical skill development of the Junior Sys Admin. 

 

(25%) Lead Systems Ticket Management in Fresh Service: Own continuous improvement towards meeting 1st Response SLA and the Resolution SLA for systems tickets. 
  1. Triaging and assigning tickets to your junior sys admin or other field techs as appropriate. Provide support as needed.
  2. Leverage strong written and verbal communication to translate technical complexity into simpler terms to help solve end-user incidents and problems. 
  3. Partner closely with the AD of Tech in ensuring the Sys/Field Tech Meetings are productive by proactively recommending systems items for discussion and troubleshooting, with a viewpoint on assignment for tackling these items 
  4. Manage up to the ADs of Tech when there are challenges between Sys and Field Tech coordination and collaboration, as needed, with a focus on helping the AD of Tech to refine role clarity between the Sys and Field Teams 
  5. Support the technical/skill development of the junior systems administrator so that the Junior Sys Admin can more independently solve Tier 2 and 3 Systems tickets. 
  6. Report the monthly, quarterly, YTD SLAs to the Tech LT, with a proposed improvement plan for improving response to SLA – the AD of Tech and Sys Manager to align on a Fresh Service Dashboard.

 

(20%) Systems Project Management: Owning execution of the Systems Projects that drive improvement of the use of these systems. 
  1. Initial Implementation: Work closely with the AD of Tech on implementation of new systems. This individual will partner with you to set the Vision and Direction of the project. This will require you to translate complex technical concepts in an understandable manner for a school audience. You will own building out options analyses for vetting systems selection as well as implementation (e.g. Asset Panda).  You will own execution of many of its components, including technical systems setup and administration.
  2. Deep optimization & improvement: Where the lift to optimize is beyond the “day to day administration”, propose a set of options to your manager, weighing user experience, cyber security, lift to maintain, and financial cost Your manager will partner with you to set direction on the path forward and timeline. You will own execution of the project, with oversight and coaching from your manager. Ownership of execution will span leading the technical components, progress monitoring against milestones and managing up when off track, and as needed, creating training materials for roll-out to Field Techs or BOMs at schools. 
  3. Change Management: Develop and implement communication strategies for rolling out new systems or major updates. Create and maintain documentation for systems processes and best practices. Lead training sessions or create training materials for end-users on new systems or features.

 

(10%)  Reporting and Strategy: As a key aspect of this role, the Systems Manager will oversee the flow of critical information across the technology team and to relevant stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of systems status, projects, and initiatives.
  1. Reporting, Synthesis, and Analytics:
    1. Prepare and present comprehensive monthly and quarterly reports synthesizing system performance, SLAs, project progress, and emerging trends for the Tech Leadership Team.
    2. Develop and maintain a historical tracker for all key metrics and reports, ensuring data continuity and enabling long-term trend analysis.
    3. Create and update dashboards for real-time monitoring of key performance indicators, with the ability to view historical data.
    4. Analyze and synthesize complex data from multiple systems to provide actionable insights and recommendations for process improvements and systems performance enhancements.
    5. Maintain a centralized repository of all reports and analyses, ensuring easy access for stakeholders and preserving institutional knowledge.
    6. Identify, document, and manage "Problems" within the ticketing system, connecting related incidents that affect multiple users or systems. Oversee the lifecycle of these Problems, ensuring proper categorization, prioritization, and resolution to minimize widespread impact and prevent recurrence.
  2. Leverage Industry Expertise to recommend improvements:
    1. Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies, reporting potential opportunities to leadership.
    2. Contribute to the development of the technology team's strategic plans and initiatives.
    3. Make data-driven recommendations for enhancing systems performance and efficiency based on comprehensive analysis and stakeholder feedback.
    4. Maintain and expand industry expertise by regularly reviewing relevant publications, attending conferences or webinars, and engaging with industry peers to bring valuable insights back to the organization. 
    5. Proactively identify areas for improvement in existing systems and processes, developing and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the technology infrastructure. 
    6. Analyze the IT environment continuously, identifying opportunities for optimization and making recommendations for systems and process improvements.

 

Physical, Mental and Environmental Demands 

 

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to navigate office and school campuses and hold meetings in different spaces. Traditionally, much of the day involves sitting frequently, with extensive use of hand and wrist movements for keyboarding, mousing, and fine finger manipulation.
  • Occasional lifting and carrying of equipment up to 1-20 lbs. Physical agility to move oneself into various positions to execute duties effectively, which may include kneeling, walking, pushing/pulling, squatting, twisting, turning, bending, stooping, and reaching overhead.
  • Rarely required to perform tasks involving simple and power grasping, pushing/pulling, kneeling/squatting, climbing stairs or ladders, and reaching above shoulder, at waist level, or below knee.
Mental Requirements:
  • Ability to handle the stress of deadlines and normal work standards, with frequent problem-solving, decision-making, and interpreting data.
  • Frequent tasks involve reading, writing, and organizing information. Ability to work with interruptions and concentrate for long periods of time.
  • Rarely responsible for supervision duties. Must be able to memorize and recall information, and perform routine calculations.
Environmental Conditions:
  • Primarily an office environment subject to constant interruptions and distractions, with frequent exposure.
  • Rare exposure to classroom settings, travel, and outdoor environments.
  • Minimal exposure to high or low temperatures, loud noises, or fumes.
  • KIPP adheres to health and safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC, CDE, and public health agencies’ recommendations.
Classification
This is a full-time, exempt position based on a full-year calendar cycle, based out of our Regional Support Office with in-frequent travel to schools and districts.
Please note: Internally, this position will be known as Technology Manager.
About KIPP Public Schools Northern California
We are a thriving nonprofit network of 22 free, public charter schools open to all students. At KIPP, we believe all children should grow up free to create the future they want for themselves and that schools can and should be a critical factor in making that vision a reality. Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. 
Our student community consists of nearly 7,000 elementary, middle, and high school students in East Palo Alto, Oakland, San Francisco, San Lorenzo, San José, Redwood City, and Stockton. 81% qualify for free or reduced price lunch, 34% are multilingual learners, and 12% have special needs. We strive to cultivate a representative team of teachers and leaders that reflect our students’ diversity.
Compensation
KIPP Northern California is dedicated to you and your family's well-being! We offer a competitive salary as well as a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and transportation benefits.
We benchmark annually against comparably-sized non-profit organizations in the regions where we operate to offer competitive salaries. The salary range for this position is between $97,000 and $125,000. Most candidates would be compensated at $107,000.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume by clicking apply on this page.