IT Systems & Security Specialist I

J ob Title: IT Systems and Security Specialist I   FLSA Status: Exempt   Location: Remote within Aspire Living & Learning’s service area; MUST RESIDE IN VT, CT, MD, NH, & MA Reports To: Director of IT   Compensation: $72000 Annually Schedule: M - F, 40 hours a week Job Purpose:   The IT Systems & Security Specialist I is responsible for supporting the organization's cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity initiatives, and day-to-day IT operations. This role assists with managing cloud services, monitoring security systems, responding to security incidents, maintaining user access controls, and ensuring compliance with security policies and best practices. The ideal candidate is eager to develop expertise in cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and systems administration while providing exceptional support to internal users.      Key Responsibilities:   Cloud Administration     Assist in the administration and maintenance of cloud environments such as Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365.    Monitor cloud resources for performance, availability, and security.    Manage and maintain cloud-based backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes to ensure system availability and organizational resilience.    Lead cloud migrations and implementation projects.    Knowledge of NSG/AVD/ASR and VM standup within azure environment      Security Administration     Monitor security alerts and investigate potential threats.    Support endpoint protection, antivirus, and vulnerability management programs.    Perform routine security audits and reviews of user access rights.    Assist in implementing and maintaining security policies, standards, and procedures.    Respond to and investigate security incidents, coordinating containment, remediation, escalation, and documentation as appropriate.    Create and maintain phishing awareness campaigns and cybersecurity training initiatives.      Identity & Access Management     Manage user provisioning and deprovisioning processes.    Assist with maintaining Active Directory, Azure Active Directory (Entra ID), and group policies.    Understanding, implementation, and maintenance of SSO for all applications.    Support Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Conditional Access policies.    Review and enforce least-privilege access controls as it pertains to the minimum necessary rule.      System & Network Support     Assist with server, workstation, and network administration tasks.    Troubleshoot cloud, security, and connectivity issues.    Support patch management and system updates.    Document configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps.      Compliance & Documentation     Maintain accurate system documentation.    Assist with compliance audits and security assessments.    Support initiatives related to cybersecurity frameworks and best practices.    Generate reports on cloud utilization, security incidents, and system health.      Qualifications:   Required   Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent work experience.    3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in systems, cloud, endpoint management, or cybersecurity administration.    Strong working knowledge of cloud computing technologies, with hands-on experience administering Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 environments.    Familiarity with Windows Server, Active Directory, and networking fundamentals.    Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, including endpoint protection, firewalls, MFA, and access control.    Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.    Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.    Must have satisfactory background checks       Preferred   Experience with:     Microsoft Azure    Microsoft 365 Administration    Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)    Microsoft Defender    Intune / Endpoint Manager    VMware or Hyper-V    PowerShell scripting    Windows Server Administration    Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)    Identity & Access Management (IAM) Industry certifications such as: Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) , Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) , CompTIA Security+ , CompTIA Network+      Working Conditions:   The position does require travel to group homes and other state offices periodically.     The employee is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms using a keyboard and video display terminal.     The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and climb stairs.    The employee must maintain emotional control under stress    The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The work environment is a standard office setting including standard office equipment (fax, copier, phone, computer, etc.) Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable qualified people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of this position.   Employees at Aspire enjoy working with a collaborative and dedicated team that values a culture of belonging and care. We take pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including: Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance -  Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options -  Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses. Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON -  Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more. 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match -  A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary. Generous Paid Time Off -  Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays. Professional Growth Opportunities -  Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement. Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services  and more! If you want to join us in making a difference and positively impact the lives of others while charting your own path of development, then we at the Aspire team would love to hear from you. Aspire Living & Learning believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.