Systems Architect

FUNCTION System Architect is responsible for overall design, planning, recommendation, implementation, support and maintenance of new and existing Palmer College systems, network infrastructure, technology platforms, hardware, software, and IT programs to meet business requirements and specifications while adhering to general IT practices, Palmer College, and Palmer IT policies and procedures.
The position monitors and analyzes systems and networks and prepares related recommendations and standard operating procedures to address existing and potential technology risks in Palmer systems, networks, system security, data security, policies, and procedures across all Palmer campuses.
Maintain adequate knowledge of existing Palmer systems, network infrastructure, hardware, and software to provide guidance, leadership and assistance to Palmer IT staff and other Palmer department staff in maximizing the user adoption of Palmer systems and networks and to maximize the performance and efficiency of Palmer systems and networks.
Maintain awareness of technology trends and emerging technologies relevant to Palmer systems and networks.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Responsible to the assigned administrator with support responsibility to all other departments and college personnel as necessary.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Contribute to the design, recommendation, implementation, support, optimization, maintenance and security of Palmer College systems and network architecture through collaboration with Palmer College IT systems, network and staff on activities.
Analyze workflow, access, information and security related requirements.
Analyze the performance of existing systems and network architecture to identify related issues and opportunities.
Plan, recommend and execute the selection of systems and applications, and local and wide-area network architecture solutions and related cabling initiatives.
Plan, recommend, implement, test and validate systems, applications, local and wide-area network architecture upgrades, improvements, solutions, projects and initiatives.
Define, document, recommend, implement, and maintain system, network, and security policies and procedures.
Maintain systems and network performance levels through server and network monitoring, event log monitoring and analysis, performance tuning, systems and network device upgrades, troubleshooting, and problem escalation to vendors and other outside resources as needed.
Maintain systems, applications, and network security by defining, documenting, recommending, implementing, and maintaining layers of security including, but not limited to, network access controls, security and event log monitoring, timely application of security and vulnerability patches, and maintenance of detailed security related policies, procedures and documentation.
Define, document, recommend, implement and maintain acceptable diagnostic and disaster recovery plans to safeguard the integrity of all supported critical Palmer systems, applications and network infrastructure.
Document requirements, specifications, features, modules, risks, risk mitigation strategies and other relevant details related to IT projects and initiatives.
Confer with vendors and consultants regarding significant systems and/or network related design changes and major upgrade projects.
Strictly adhere to Palmer IT change management process at all times.
Monitor and meet financial expectations and requirements by regularly submitting budget and expense information to the appropriate administrator.
Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, read professional publications, maintain personal networks, and participate in professional organizations.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with hardware and software vendors and service providers.
Design, recommend, contribute, and maintain beneficial and relevant systems and network infrastructure documentation in the Palmer IT knowledge base.
Perform all responsibilities in a manner that fully complies with Palmer’s Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action policy.
Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of computer hardware and software systems.
Ability to read print and computer based materials and to do so with consistent accuracy.
Frequent and competent use of computer and related application software programs is required.
Ability to perform assigned duties with time pressures and frequent interruptions.
Ability to utilize general office equipment and other necessary equipment.
Ability to utilize personal computer and various software packages.
Ability to analyze and resolve difficult technical problems.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to work various hours as job requires.
Ability to travel to locations for research and implementation.
In-depth knowledge of all networks, especially those used by the College.
Ability to manage network technology.
Ability to maintain mental concentration for extended periods of time.
Ability to analyze and resolve routine problems.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business, Information Systems or related field required; five years of related experience and/or training can be exchanged for education Five years network experience including LAN/WAN technologies and Firewalls Five years of related knowledge and experience in Microsoft Windows servers, Microsoft SQL Servers, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SharePoint, and Microsoft O365; Required knowledge and experience in Microsoft Windows servers, Microsoft SQL Servers, Microsoft Exchange, and Microsoft SharePoint; Preferred knowledge and experience in Microsoft System Center products, Microsoft Great Plains products, and creating and deploying application packages and images and managing active directory, group policies, DNS, and other enterprise technologies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT Perform sedentary to light work in a ventilated, lighted, and temperature controlled office setting.
Frequent need to stand, stoop, walk, sit, lift light objects (up to 10 pounds) and perform other similar actions during the workday.
Repetitive movement of hands and fingers, typing and/or writing.
Required to have visual, hearing and speaking ability to receive, express and determine accuracy of detailed information.
Required to have close vision work with clear ability to read pertinent printed materials while also being able to adjust to distance and depth perception.