Network Administrator

Salary: $104,000/year - $115,000/year

Position Summary

The Network Administrator is responsible for maintaining the integrity, security, availability and performance of Children's Aid's IT network infrastructure. Reporting to the Director of Business Applications, this role supports the planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of network infrastructure, operational enhancements, new technology solutions, and disaster recovery environments across a multi-site IT environment.

Working collaboratively with the IT team, business and program areas, and external vendors, the Network Administrator provides reliable network services, supports security standards and access controls, and ensures effective operation of network systems that support Children's Aid's technology needs.

Children’s Aid Mission

To help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive support to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Children’s Aid annually serves children and their families at over forty sites in New York, as well as through three national program models. Children’s Aid is concentrating its efforts on creating cradle-through-college pathways in high-need neighborhoods, with a focus on children’s health, family stability, education, and social and emotional development.

Culture and Values

We put children, youth, and families first: We listen to and incorporate the voices of children, youth, and families in all that we do.

We seek equity and transformation in our communities: We courageously work within and outside systems to create opportunities for children, youth, and families.

We strive for excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

We are powered by collaboration: Our work is stronger when we trust, partner, and respect each other and the communities we serve.

We are driven by compassion: We lead with kindness, care, and empathy and believe in the endless potential of the people we serve and our team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Network Administration & Infrastructure Management

• Administer network server infrastructure and related systems.
• Install, configure, update, secure, and monitor network server software, hardware systems, and infrastructure.
• Perform regular system health checks and vulnerability management activities, including maintaining current software and firmware patches and updates.
• Plan, support, and maintain system/network infrastructure, including operational enhancements, azure networking, new technology implementations, performance monitoring, availability, and disaster recovery infrastructure.
• Implement, maintain, and manage remote support processes and procedures.
• Create, maintain, and update network-related documentation.
• Perform appropriate change control procedures for network server-related system changes and upgrades.
• Follow established standards for naming conventions, documentation, and security requirements related to network server systems.
• Recommend and implement new technology-based practices as required.

Network Monitoring & Management

• Maintain and monitor network traffic to support reliability and performance.
• Monitor, log, and execute appropriate responses based on information from enterprise monitoring systems.
• Manage Local Area Networks (LAN), Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN), and Wi-Fi access.
• Manage telecommunications and Internet Service Provider (ISP) circuits.
• Maintain network documentation and related system records.

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain network security standards and report security violations as appropriate.
• Maintain security and access controls for domains, firewalls, switches, and other network-related hardware and storage devices.
• Review traffic patterns and identify potential internal and external security threats.
• Follow organizational policies and procedures for protecting confidential customer and internal information, including HIPAA and HITECH requirements.
• Participate in annual fiscal and HIPAA security reviews.
• Participate in vulnerability assessments and intrusion testing and take corrective action when required.

General Responsibilities

• Provide reliable network services and responsive technical support to users across the organization.
• Collaborate with IT team members, business and program areas, and external vendors to support effective technology operations.
• Maintain in-person collaboration as an essential function of the role.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a Cisco Network Administrator or similar role supporting network infrastructure in a fast-paced team environment.
• Extensive experience with TCP/IP design and analysis, including LAN, VLAN, Wi-Fi, DNS, DHCP, SSL, VPNs, and remote server monitoring and administration.
• Experience with Cisco Firewalls, Switches, Routers, IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems), and Network Access Control.
• Experience configuring, managing, and maintaining storage arrays, clusters, and management controllers.
• Experience supporting VoIP architecture.
• CCNA certification preferred.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with individuals with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to manage vendor relationships and communicate effectively with third-party vendors, IT staff, and business stakeholders.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children’s Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children’s Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children’s Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.