Infrastructure Architect - Network and Datacenter

Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff, and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice, and inclusive leadership and service.

Hamline University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local human rights commission; disability; age; protected veteran status; or any other status protected by applicable law in its education or employment programs or activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice and inclusive leadership and service.

JOB SUMMARY
The Infrastructure Architect – Network and Datacenter (IAND) is an advanced technical position responsible for planning, developing, implementing, administering, and supporting the university’s Enterprise IT infrastructure environment. The position ensures that the various systems comprising the university’s core IT infrastructure are performing optimally and securely. The IAND is one within the Infrastructure Systems and Services (ISS) group. This group is responsible for acquiring, aligning, customizing, and administering networks, servers, storage, virtual systems, cloud systems, and related IT infrastructure. These assets encompass a vast, complex population of devices and tools supporting all aspects of the university’s business and academic processes. Examples of key assets include the university’s network, personal computers, and classroom technologies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Network Administration and Development:
Builds, manages, maintains, and monitors: server, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), wireless network, storage, cloud, and virtual infrastructure solutions for various project and operational needs; software/services related to network operations such as DNS, DHCP, Network Access Control (NAC), and network monitoring tools; and software/services related to authentication operations such as Identity Management, Active Directory, and LDAP.

Manages and monitors the university’s primary collaboration platform (Google Workspace). Installs and hardens server OS’s. Automates system administration tasks where possible. Evaluates new software. Performs hardware and software upgrades. Keeps operating systems, applications, and antivirus software up to date. Manages backups and monitors audit logs. Creates and maintains technical documentation and procedures for systems administration support.

Collaborates with ITS staff to perform advanced troubleshooting of system performance and resolution of issues. Ensures timely resolution of performance issues. Analyzes and coordinates responses to system outages and interruptions.

Applies security and recommended patches on a regularly scheduled basis. Develops and implements emergency, disaster recovery, and security remediation for the university’s IT infrastructure, including servers, network, and virtual environments.

Provides backup support for various ISS operations, including telecommunications. Provides after hours upgrades, support, and problem resolution when necessary.

Technology Evaluation, Consultation, and Support:
Serves as a consulting partner with key constituents (both staff in university administrative offices, as well as academic colleagues) to support mission critical functions and to drive ongoing technological innovation. Actively seeks and nurtures trustful relationships with staff and faculty. Contributes to efforts that enhance workplace productivity via technical competency. Promotes security awareness and adoption of ITS services, resources, and policies. Represents and advocates for users regarding ITS services.

Identifies emerging network, server, and cloud-related technologies that show promise for being of value to the university. Analyzes potential effectiveness as well as implementation considerations. Analyzes operations and user satisfaction data to continually improve service. Maintains relevant statistics and prepares reports as necessary. Assists with crafting reports for benchmarking and program evaluation.

Serves on policy and planning committees as appropriate. Ensures compliance with relevant policies, practices, and procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:
● Participates in ITS workgroups and project teams.
● Works on special projects.
● Performs other duties as requested.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The IAND reports to and is evaluated by the ITS Director for Infrastructure Systems and Services (DISS). Much of the work is done independently with limited direct supervision.

The IAND requires daily contact with a variety of university employees, primarily staff and faculty, and occasionally students. This position also requires interaction with vendors and representatives from other collaborative networks, user groups, consortia, and agencies.

This position reports to the: Director for Infrastructure Systems and Services
This position does not supervise other employees.
 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KEY COMPETENCIES
Technical Experience and Skills:
● Network and server architecture in Enterprise environment
● VMware VSphere virtual machines or equivalent virtualization technology
● Management of cloud infrastructure in Azure and/or AWS
● Knowledge of Windows and Linux environments
● Proficiency with personal productivity IT tools used in a typical academic environment, including virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace)

Preferred Experience and Skills:
● Familiarity with concepts, principles, issues, emerging technologies, and challenges associated with supporting both the business and academic operations of a university community
● Familiarity with creating a full student lifecycle environment that increasingly relies on digital interactions and experiences

Core Workplace Skills/Abilities:
● Communication skills commensurate with a professional workplace–to communicate clearly and concisely, convey complex information in a manner that others can understand, as well as the ability to understand and interpret complex information from others
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including demonstrated experience in facilitating teamwork and cross-unit collaboration
● Outstanding attention to detail and thoroughness
● Competence for successfully shepherding a variety of projects
● Exceptional troubleshooting skills
● Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on projects to completion, including accommodating multiple conflicting demands for commitment of effort
● Aptitude for working effectively with faculty, staff, students, and colleagues; enthusiasm for delivering high quality service to an academic community
● Commitment to a diverse academic community, and an understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace
● Capacity to adjust and thrive in an ambiguous, future-oriented environment and to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities
● Resilience of character and perspective

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Education and Work Experience:
● Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field associated with network administration or related fields, or possession of a combination of industry certifications and experience
● Three (3) years professional experience supporting and administering infrastructure systems

WORKING CONDITIONS / EQUIPMENT
● Requires computer use for significant periods of time.
● Requires ability to administer aspects of the university’s supported technologies remotely.
● Requires working occasionally outside of standard Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 working hours, including the need to work during ITS maintenance windows.
● Work from home (WFH) is authorized by arrangement with supervisor.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range: $82,000 - $90,000

Full-Time Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Paid Time off, including vacation time, paid holidays and safe and sick leave time off
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Tuition waiver

Part-Time Benefits:

• Dental
• Vision
• Short Term Disability
• Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This is a full time, 1.0 FTE, exempt position, 12 months a year.

EEO/DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local commission; disability; age; or protected veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.

All questions marked ‘Required’ need to be answered in order to submit the application. It is important that your application show all of the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. If rejected, you must reapply for the position in order to be considered. A resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications for and interest in the position, contact information for 3 current, professional references, as well as copies of transcripts (if required) must be uploaded with each application.