Systems Administrator Senior Specialist

Job Description This is a remote position. Position Title: Systems Administrator Senior Specialist Position Location: Remote – work virtually from anywhere in the United States SALARY DLB recognizes salary ranges from job boards do not necessarily reflect our pay ranges. In many instances we out-compete those ranges for well-qualifiedcandidates. JOB SUMMARY The Systems Administrator Senior Specialist will leverage extensive knowledge and experience in Azure IaaS, Azure File Storage, Entra ID, Exchange, Intune,Defender, Purview, and Microsoft 365 applications to maintain, optimize, and ensure the security, availability and efficiency of the company's IT infrastructure. Theywill actively participate in designing and implementing new system configurations, focusing on delivering scalable and reliable solutions to meet internal requirements. The Systems Administrator Senior Specialist will support existing systems, and assist in identifying new systems as needed, for support desk, remote monitoring &management, and managed detection & response. The Systems Administrator Senior Specialist will receive limited direction on day-to-day work and general instruction on new projects or assignments. Will assist project leadership on projects of complex scope. Will work independently or under limited supervision. This person will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Systems Administration & Optimization (60%) Design, Implement, and Optimize: Configure and maintain Azure and M365 platforms for optimal performance, availability, and scalability. Authentication & Identity Management: Oversee Entra ID configurations, ensuring secure authentication, conditional access policies, and identity governance. Licensing & Resource Allocation: Manage M365 and Azure licensing, usage metrics, and resource allocation to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance. Security & Compliance (15%) Microsoft Defender & Purview: Configure and manage Microsoft Defender, Purview, and other advanced security solutions to protect corporate data and systems against emerging threats. Incident Response & Prevention: Develop and enforce security policies, lead incident response initiatives, and proactively mitigate vulnerabilities using threat intelligence and best practices. Data Protection & Compliance: Work closely with compliance stakeholders to implement retention policies, eDiscovery, and other regulatory requirements within the M365 ecosystem. Systems Enhancement & Continuous Improvement (15%) Infrastructure Upgrades: Research, evaluate, and recommend new Azure or M365 features/services that align with organizational goals. Automation & Optimization: Develop scripts and automation processes (e.g., PowerShell, Azure Automation) to streamline routine tasks and system processes. Continuous Improvement: Stay current with emerging technologies, best practices, and industry trends relevant to Microsoft Azure and M365. Documentation & Reporting (10%) Technical Documentation: Maintain up-to-date documentation of system configurations, policies, procedures, and troubleshooting guides for internal reference and audits. Reporting & Metrics: Generate reports on system performance, security incidents, and project progress for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Time & Task Management: Accurately manage and report personal work hours using company tools to ensure transparency and efficiency. Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned Requirements POSITION REQUIREMENTS Advanced Knowledge of Azure services (Azure IaaS, Azure Virtual Desktop, Azure File Storage) and M365 security/compliance tools (Defender, Purview, etc.). Proficiency in M365 applications (SharePoint, Teams, Power Platform) and Azure Active Directory, including advanced configuration and administration. Solid Understanding of IT security fundamentals (conditional access) Solid understanding of IT security solutions including Microsoft Defender and Azure Identity Protection. Knowledge of MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail ​ Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form (technical and non-technical information) Ability to communicate effectively directly with clients and at times serve as primary point of client contact Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines Demonstrated aptitude for learning new technology and adapting to evolving requirements. Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously Travel / Relocation Requirements Up to 5%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meeting for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc. Education / Experience Requirements Bachelor’s degree in IT, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related discipline PLUS 8 years of experience in Information Technology Benefits DLB Associates is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We are committed to diversifying our workforce. DLB Associates offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option) Health reimbursement account (HRA), flex spending accounts (FSA) Dental and vision plans Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance Paid parental leave after one year of employment NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES: DLB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to DLB in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where DLB has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of DLB and DLB will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service