Systems Administrator

The use of technology is an important component of both the educational and operational landscape of Al-Ameen College. Its effective management and implementation allow staff and students to enhance their learning experience, communication and operational efficiency.

The Systems Administrator is responsible to the Business Manager for day-to-day operational management of the College’s network infrastructure and client facing devices. This position also includes overseeing the ICT Department and will lead and manage a small ICT team to ensure that an effective model of service and maintenance exists across all implemented supported platforms and systems. This role is a mixture of management and hands on support that will require the new Systems Administrator to balance against competing priorities.

The Systems Administrator role involves both the management of the existing network infrastructure and the development of future opportunities, working alongside the Business Manager and the ICT team, as well as Principal to ensure that all the technological needs of staff and students are met. 

NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION

The primary role of this position is the management of the technical and educational needs of the College’s information services.  In particular, the Systems Administrator is responsible for:

• Contributing to the development and implementation of the ICT Strategic Plan.
• Managing the ‘bring your own device’ program.
• Managing the college’s network performance, reliability and security.
• Providing ICT support to academic and support staff.
• ICT resource management.
• Co-ordination and management of the College’s information services and security system (both hardware and software).
• Management and development of the ICT team.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

The successful applicant will demonstrate and be responsible for the following key performance areas:

1. Contribute to the development and implementation of the ICT strategic plan.

• In-conjunction with the college leadership team, develop the ICT strategic plan, and implement and manage the plan in an efficient and timely manner.
• Report back to the Business Manager on progress of key priorities and projects.
• Review and make recommendations of changes concerning the ICT network, resources, relevant policies and procedures so as to further develop ICT strategic priorities as appropriate.
• Maintain current working knowledge of ICT trends and advise on their significance in a school setting.
• Develop and scope standards and plans for all ICT projects.

2. Management of the school's network performance, reliability and security

• Management of the ongoing performance, reliability and security of the ICT infrastructure.
• Management of all systems and hardware support including ‘hands-on’ technical knowledge, including access control and CCTV system.
• Maintenance of overall network and internet security, including appropriate internet content controls.
• Establish and maintain effective communication links to and from staff to ensure efficient resolution of all ICT operational issues.
• Production of regular reports on key activities and system performance.
• Manage and maintain appropriate backups of school data and ensure an effective ‘Disaster Recovery Plan’ is in place.
• Foster an adherence to quality systems documentation, and continually seek to improve the way in which work is undertaken. Lead by example.

3. Provide ICT support to academic and support staff 

Working with the ICT technical team to:

• Manage and support the provision of high quality and responsive client service that meets agreed service levels, and the business needs of the school.
• Provide first, second and third level support to staff including basic support (software installation, phone, printer, email and basic troubleshooting); intermediate support (in-depth problem solving, user creation/security); and full support (system or technology implementation, upgrade/enhancement, maintenance and training).
• Liaise with staff to ensure their requirements are being promptly attended to and are dealt with in a satisfactory manner; staff need to be kept abreast of any matters that remain outstanding.
• Train staff, at point of need, in the operation of computer software and hardware.
• Proactively plan and document work on assigned tasks in an agreed format.

4. ICT resource and budget management

• Develop the annual budget for ICT operational and capital expenditure in-conjunction with the Business Manager.
• Ensure cost effective management of ICT resources to keep within budgetary requirements.
• Design and maintain an appropriate, ongoing, cost-effective asset replacement program for ICT infrastructure and keep an up-to-date register of consumables.
• In conjunction with the Business Manager, negotiate with the third-party providers to achieve ‘best practice’ service level agreements.
• Manage services for photocopying, printing and telecommunications equipment across the College.
• Manage computer labs, classroom and admin hardware and staff devices.
• Maintain appropriate records of ICT hardware and software.
• Ensure the school is complying with relevant software licences.

5. ICT coordination and management of information services

• Develop and maintain school information and communication platforms including websites such as intranet, social media platforms, public site and school apps.
• Collaborate with the relevant staff to maintain the reliability, integrity and reporting of information systems and their applications.
• Develop, manage and support web-based, on-line applications such as SEQTA, e-Learning and internet services.
• Provide support for administrative and business systems.

6. Student ‘Bring Your Own Device’ platform

• In collaboration with the College Leadership Team, support the operation of the College’s ‘bring your own device’ framework.
• Make recommendation regarding the choice of hardware to be proposed to all parents for their children’s devices.
• Ensure an appropriate support mechanism has been established that results in reduced impact on learning in the event of a technical fault.
• Provide support to students via the IT Help desk on a daily basis, alongside the IT team.

7. Development of the ICT team

• Lead, develop and maintain a cohesive, harmonious working environment for current and future ICT team members.
• Ensure ICT staff receive adequate professional development opportunities to keep abreast of current developments in line with operational requirements.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Demonstrated commitment to providing a high level of service and the ability to maintain high work standards.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in an equivalent role in a diverse educational environment.
• Completion of industry training or education in a relevant discipline with at least three years of relevant experience in maintaining and supporting medium scale infrastructure environment and in a managerial position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of networking hardware and software with experience in the design, installation, maintenance and management of wired and wireless network environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of server hardware and software with experience in design, installation, management and maintenance of server and storage environments (Microsoft Windows server, Microsoft SQL server, and Microsoft Active Directory)
• Demonstrated understanding and experience with cloud services (Azure, AAD, O365, Intune Device Management), firewalls and 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member or independently when required.
• The ability to develop and sustain strong, appropriate relationships that support and enhance the ethos of an Islamic College. 
• High level of interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly at all levels within the college, as well as our parent community and external supply providers, in both technical and non-technical terms.
• Well-developed organisational and initiative skills with the ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, work well under pressure and manage competing tasks with attention to detail.
• Previous experience working with security cameras, access control security system and associated software.
• Familiarity with Veeam backup solution.
• Current WA driver licence.
• Salary to be negotiated with the successful applicant, commensurate with roles in similar independent schools.
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check, police clearance and COVID-19 vaccination certificate. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Applications close on Friday 15 March 2024.
• Interested persons must provide a written application for this position that includes a resume, addresses the essential criteria and clearly identifies experience and areas of strength. Applications should also include the contact details of three referees.
• Applications are to be sent to the Business Manager via email to: **@alameencollege.wa.edu.au. 

The Package

• Salary to be negotiated with the successful applicant, commensurate with roles in similar independent schools.

To access the Position Description, please visit: https://alameencollege.wa.edu.au/vacancies.