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Columbia University

Senior Systems Administrator

🇺🇸 Morningside, NY

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $66K - $85K

💻 Information Technology

🗓️ July 23rd, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

Columbia University is hiring a Senior Systems Administrator who will develop, maintain, and update the school's FileMaker Pro-based management software and other web modules. The role involves providing support to the school's community on the student information system, improving administrative and academic processes, training users, troubleshooting technical issues, and overseeing system and hardware management under the guidance of the Director of Technology.

Highlights
  • Design, develop, maintain, and update FileMaker Pro and other database systems.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to assess needs and implement technology solutions.
  • Provide training and support to administrators, faculty, and staff on school-specific software.
  • Manage macOS hardware and software lifecycle including imaging, deployment, and security.
  • Administer on-premise and cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP) ensuring system security and performance.
  • Write and maintain system documentation, user manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Provide guidance to the Systems Administrator and support software, hardware, and classroom technology troubleshooting.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with 2–4 years in Systems Administration or IT support.
  • Experience with FileMaker Pro or similar web-based database systems and familiarity with educational information systems.
  • Strong customer service, communication skills, and adaptability to shifting priorities.
  • Salary range: $65,800 - $85,000 annually.

Senior Systems Administrator Full Description

  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Bargaining Unit:
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Standard Work Schedule:
  • Building:
  • Salary Range: $65,800 - $85,000
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
 
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Technology, the Senior Systems Administrator works in conjunction with external software developers and develops, maintains, and updates the FileMaker Pro based school’s management software systems and other web based modules. Provides timely, considerate support to The School's community in their use of the student information system (SIS) and other related modules. Improves administrative and academic processes by creating or modifying software modules with functionalities targeted to specific needs. Develops, maintains, and updates software systems and databases, to ensure that they proficiently, effectively, and efficiently provide the users with the intended functions. It is paramount that this person communicates effectively and works cooperatively with The School's administrators, teachers, staff, and outside service providers to write documentation to describe program development, logic, coding, and corrections. Provides administrators training and support for specific software used in the operation of the school. When necessary, will assist with troubleshooting and resolving common issues with computers and other classroom and office electronic equipment.

In addition, under the strategic guidance of the Director, Technology and Innovation, this position will provide planning and technical support for the implementation, installation, configuration, security, and maintenance of computer hardware, software, and networking in a diverse computing environment.

This position will have the responsibility for providing day-to-day guidance and directing the work of the Systems Administrator.

Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, maintain, and update FileMaker Pro and other database systems.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to assess needs and implement technology solutions.
  • Maintain data integrity through accurate data entry, archival, and secure management practices.
  • Write system documentation, including logic, coding processes, and user manuals.
  • Create and distribute user-friendly support and instructional guides.
  • Manage hardware and software lifecycle in a macOS environment, including imaging, configuration, deployment, patching, and secure disposal.
  • Administer and optimize storage, security, and virtualization infrastructure, including on-premise and cloud-based systems (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Write and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation.
  • Support projects involving system upgrades, new implementations, and technology enhancements, in coordination with the Director of Technology.
  • Monitor systems for performance and capacity, ensuring availability and reliability.
  • Provide responsive technical support to faculty, staff, and students for software, hardware, and classroom/office equipment.
  • Train and support new and current employees on school-specific applications and tools.
  • Support the development and maintenance of The School’s websites and digital platforms in coordination with the Communications Office.
  • Manage relationships with technology vendors for procurement, service, and support.
  • Provide day-to-day guidance to the Systems Administrator as needed under the direction of the Director of Technology.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 2–4 years of relevant experience in Systems Administration, IT support, or a related field.
  • Experience supporting FileMaker Pro or similar web-based database systems.
  • Familiarity with information systems that support educational or administrative functions.
  • Working knowledge of macOS and Windows operating systems.
  • Basic experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing 40+ lbs.
  • Strong customer service and communication skills.
  • Adaptability to shifting priorities and operational needs.
  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures and apply independent judgment in routine problem-solving.
  • Willingness and ability to learn new systems and technologies quickly.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in a school or academic environment.
  • FileMaker Pro certification.
  • Experience in website design and content management.
  • Fluency in Spanish.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.