Windows System Administrator

As a Windows System Administrator at Education at Work, you will be responsible for the daily management of our on-prem Active Directory as well as Azure Entra ID. This includes user and group management, creating and managing Group Policy Objects, and configuring Single Sign-On and Multi-Factor Authentication across services. You'll also oversee the administration of SharePoint Online, manage permissions, and troubleshoot any authentication or access issues that arise. It's a multifaceted role that requires you to ensure both security and a seamless user experience.

For the Windows System Administrator position at Education at Work, candidates should possess 3-5 years of experience in Windows system administration or a related role. Proficiency in Active Directory management is essential, along with a working knowledge of Azure AD and Microsoft 365 services, particularly SharePoint Online. Additionally, understanding authentication protocols such as LDAP, Kerberos, and NTLM is important. Strong communication skills and documentation practices will also be crucial for success in this role.

In the role of Windows System Administrator at Education at Work, you'll work with a variety of tools and technologies, particularly focusing on Active Directory, Azure Entra ID, and Microsoft 365 services. This includes SharePoint Online for collaboration, as well as configurations related to authentication, such as Conditional Access and Multi-Factor Authentication. Familiarity with Azure AD Connect for syncing identities and managing user provisioning workflows will also be beneficial.

The salary range for the Windows System Administrator position at Education at Work is between $70,000 and $80,000 per year. This compensation reflects the value placed on the skills and experience necessary for effective system administration within our hybrid IT environment. Additionally, this role comes with opportunities for growth and advancement as part of a unique organization that prioritizes student success.

While the Windows System Administrator position at Education at Work is based in Tempe, AZ, the hybrid nature of our IT environment may offer some flexibility in terms of remote work options. However, it's important to understand that certain responsibilities, such as on-site support and infrastructure management, may require in-person attendance at our facilities. When applying, be sure to discuss your preferences with the hiring team.

In your interview, demonstrate your experience with Active Directory by discussing specific projects or tasks, such as managing user accounts, organizing OUs, or creating Group Policy Objects. Highlight your understanding of directory security and any issues you've resolved in the past. Showing a solid grasp of AD's components will convey your competency in this area.

When addressing security in a hybrid identity environment, mention strategies you implement, such as managing permissions effectively, setting up Multi-Factor Authentication, and routinely auditing access logs. Discuss any preventative measures you take to mitigate risks related to data breaches or unauthorized access, demonstrating your proactive attitude.

Prepare to articulate your understanding of Azure Active Directory by touching on its features, such as conditional access, self-service password resets, and identity protection. You might also want to provide examples from your previous roles where you've utilized Azure AD to enhance security and streamline user management.

Share a specific example of an authentication issue you faced, how you diagnosed the problem, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome. Keep your answer focused on your analytical skills and your ability to troubleshoot, as this is crucial for a Windows System Administrator at Education at Work.

In response to this question, outline a systematic approach that includes gathering information about the user’s issue, checking group memberships, reviewing their access logs, and troubleshooting any relevant settings. Emphasize your communication skills and how you keep the user informed throughout the resolution process.

Discuss your experience with SharePoint Online by highlighting specific tasks, such as setting up sites, managing permissions, and organizing content. Explain any integrations you've completed with other Microsoft 365 applications to enhance collaboration and productivity, showcasing your versatility in managing essential tools.

When explaining your approach to backup and recovery, outline the strategies you implement for both identity and collaboration systems. Discuss regular backups, testing recovery procedures, and any contingency plans you have in place to ensure data integrity and availability in case of failures.

Provide a detailed account of a challenging project, focusing on the obstacles you faced, how you strategized to overcome them, and what you learned from the experience. Be sure to illustrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Discuss the monitoring tools and methodologies you've used in previous roles, emphasizing your ability to proactively identify issues. Mention metrics you track, reports you generate, and how this information aids in optimizing system performance and ensuring security.

Talk about the resources you use, such as online courses, webinars, and industry publications, to keep your knowledge current. Discuss any communities or networks you engage with that provide insights into best practices and emerging technologies relevant to your role as a Windows System Administrator.