Systems Administrator

Walker Sands is one of the fastest-growing integrated B2B marketing agencies in the world. We are looking for a high-impact Systems Administrator to help fuel that continued growth. Total compensation for this role is expected to be between $60,000- $70,300 per year.

As an agency, we exist to accelerate growth—for our clients, our people and the B2B industry. We partner with B2B technology and services companies, from high-growth Silicon Valley businesses to global Fortune 500 brands, to drive meaningful business results. At Walker Sands, curiosity sparks new ideas, collaboration makes the work stronger, and people are at the center of everything we do.

Walker Sands is looking for a talented  Systems Administrator to join our team in our Chicago office - hybrid.

What You Will Do (Responsibilities): 

• Administer Google Workspace as our core productivity platform, including user lifecycle, groups and permissions, shared drives, email routing and authentication and third-party app access.
• Administer Microsoft 365, Slack and Zoom, including licensing, user provisioning, integrations, retention policies and conference rooms.
• Oversee identity and access management across our SaaS applications, including single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, role-based access, regular access reviews and company-wide 1Password administration.
• Deploy, configure and secure our fleet of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops through our MDM, Apple Business Manager,  including zero-touch enrollment, configuration profiles, FileVault encryption, macOS updates and endpoint protection.
• Run endpoint onboarding and offboarding with People Operations: provision accounts and devices before a new hire's first day, and recover hardware, wipe devices and revoke access on an employee's last day.
• Triage the helpdesk queue by prioritizing tickets on impact and urgency, resolving issues in person and remotely, escalating to vendors when needed, and spotting trends that point to recurring problems.
• Administer our network, including UniFi and Cisco Meraki switching and wireless access points, and Palo Alto Networks firewalls (security policies and firmware updates).
• Set up, maintain and troubleshoot A/V equipment in conference rooms and event spaces, including displays, cameras, microphones and Poly Studio hardware.
• Manage security awareness training and phishing simulation completion for all employees, handle reported phishing and spam by tuning email filters and removing malicious messages, and help investigate and respond to security incidents.
• Manage backup, disaster recovery, monitoring and alerting for critical systems, and test restores on a regular schedule.
• Administer ChatGPT and other approved AI tools, including workspace settings, data and privacy controls, and guidance for employees on safe use.
• Automate repetitive admin work with AI tools to speed up support and documentation.
• Document systems, procedures and policies, and help answer client security questionnaires and compliance requests.
• Manage SaaS licenses and IT vendors, and recommend tools that improve how the company works.

Non-Negotiables 

• You pursue excellence. You’re always learning, always sharing, always pushing to get better.
• You’re proactive. You don’t wait for direction; you bring ideas, solutions, and momentum.
• You manage your time well. You prioritize effectively, stay organized and keep moving the needle.
• You’re collaborative. You make the work better by working well with others.

What You Bring (Requirements):

• 2+ years of experience in IT systems administration or a similar role.
• Hands-on admin experience with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack and Zoom.
• Deep macOS knowledge and experience managing MacBook fleets through an Apple-focused MDM such as Mosyle, including automated device enrollment through Apple Business Manager. Rippling and/or Windows experience is a plus.
• Experience with identity management, SSO, MFA and a business password manager such as 1Password.
• Hands-on experience with UniFi, Cisco Meraki and Palo Alto Networks equipment, and working knowledge of network concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs and VPNs.
• A track record of triaging a helpdesk queue and supporting our employee’s IT needs.
• A solid grasp of security practices, including least-privilege access, patch management, endpoint protection and phishing response.
• Familiarity with ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, and an understanding of how to roll them out securely.
• Comfort writing scripts in at least one language.
• Clear written and spoken communication, and patience with non-technical colleagues.
• The ability to juggle several priorities and pick up new tools quickly.

Nice to Have

• Experience with AWS or Google Cloud.
• Experience supporting SOC 2, ISO 27001 or client security reviews.
• Certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Security+ or Google Workspace Administrator

What We Offer (Compensation + Benefits):

Starting Salary: $60,000- $ 70,300 per year.

• Base salary is only a part of the total rewards package. Placement on the salary scale will be determined by a variety of factors to ensure internal equity.
• Starting salaries are not inclusive of a full range of compensation for this role and are instead meant to reflect the expected beginning salary for a new hire. Merit-based increases can be earned after time in role.

• 💰Bonus Potential: This role will be eligible for a bonus based on company performance.
• 🌱Growth Opportunities: Clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events to help you grow professionally.
• 🌴Flexible PTO and Hybrid Work: Take time as needed for vacations, mental health, or personal days. Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
• 🩺 Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Mental health resources, pet insurance, and more.
• 📈Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
• 🛡️ Additional Protection: Life insurance, disability coverage, and other benefits that provide added financial security.

• 🧠 Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for you and your household, including counseling, mental health resources, and help navigating life’s everyday challenges.
• 👶Family Support: Paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, adoption challenges, and more.
• 🎯 Performance & Coaching: Regular performance reviews, clear goal-setting, and ongoing coaching to help you understand expectations, grow your skills, and make progress in your career.
• 🎉 Milestone Sabbatical: Celebrate five years with a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift.
• 🤝 Community & Belonging: Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, and programs designed to build connection across the agency.
• 🌟 Culture: Our agency offers an award-winning culture. Read more on our website here!

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. As an equal opportunity employer Walker Sands is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion  and welcomes everyone to our team.

In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).

If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.