It Infrastructure & Operations Specialist

Description:

The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication is seeking a proactive IT infrastructure and Operations Specialist to manage foundational technology infrastructure and daily operations. This role requires a "root cause" problem solver who balances high-level technical skill with a commitment to documented, sustainable service.The work is built on three multidisciplinary pillars:

System Support and Technical Resolution: As the School’s primary technical responder, you ensure Murphy Hall’s digital environment remains reliable and functional. You will manage day-to-day "fixing and doing" including resolving classroom technology issues, lab software errors and updates, loaner laptop maintenance, server access and Active Directory permissions, troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity. While you serve as the local expert, you will also navigate the University’s broader IT landscape, partnering with support teams to escalate complex issues and ensure timely, root-cause resolutions for the Hubbard community.
Specialized Media & Lab Operations: Beyond standard IT support, you will own components of the specialized infrastructure required for a premier journalism school. This includes the deployment and maintenance of high-end media labs (Adobe Creative Cloud) along with media studios ensuring that technology is a seamless tool for student and faculty creators.
Sustainable Process Improvement: To enhance long-term stability, you develop a documented service model. As a multidisciplinary lead, you will serve as the primary technical expert for Murphy Hall’s physical and digital infrastructure, providing the consistent technical follow-through necessary to support the School’s academic mission. 

Work Location: Twin Cities Campus, East Bank. This position is not eligible for a consistent remote work schedule due to the hands-on nature of media production support and laboratory management.

Job Responsibilities

Systems Administration & Lab Maintenance (40%)
Manage the software lifecycle for specialized journalism and strategic communication labs, including creating and maintaining custom scripts for automated software updates and system imaging.
Ensure lab stability for high-performance media curriculum (Adobe Creative Cloud, ProTools, etc.).
Manage the Hubbard School’s Google Workspace environment and shared storage (S Drive), optimizing permissions and structures.
Apply root cause analysis to recurring technical issues to implement scalable, documented solutions.
Communications & Office Technology Management (30%)
Manage the full inventory and lifecycle of computing equipment (procurement to decommissioning).
Serve as the primary point of contact for telephones; assignments, troubleshooting, and liaison with University phone services.
Oversee the maintenance of office equipment, including networked scanners, copiers, and printers; manage vendor relationships and supply procurement (e.g., toner).
Provide infrastructure and hardware support for the School’s digital signage systems. 
Network Infrastructure & Learning Space Support (20%)
Provide technical support for classrooms, Zoom rooms, and meeting spaces to ensure instructional and administrative continuity.
Monitor visible networks (Eduroam) and maintain the integrity of physical network jacks and connectivity.
Act as the technical liaison for physical access control (key card systems) for rooms and labs. 
Leadership Support & Operational Sustainability (10%)
Serve as the primary technical backup to the IT Supervisor/Technology Manager, stepping in to manage departmental needs and make time-sensitive decisions in their absence.
Directly mentoring student 'first responders' to resolve Tier 1 hardware/software issues, ensuring high-quality service standards and documentation.
Translate institutional knowledge into a sustainable "Knowledge Base" of documentation and customer service standards to empower student workers as first responders.
Partner with the IT/Facilities workgroup to ensure infrastructure support follows through on faculty needs with high attention to detail. 

Required:

 Qualifications 

Education: BA/BS plus at least 2 years of experience or Master's Degree
Multidisciplinary IT Support: Proven experience managing at least three distinct technical areas (e.g., End-User Support, Systems Administration and Network Infrastructure).
Multi-Platform Proficiency: Advanced troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving skills in both macOS and Windows environments within a networked enterprise setting.
Technical Documentation: Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining technical documentation (knowledge bases, standard operation procedures, or disaster recovery plans) to ensure operational continuity.

Preferred Qualifications:

Infrastructure Management: Experience managing server-side permissions, directory services (Active Directory), network troubleshooting (Ethernet/IP) and digital signage (Linux).
Process Improvement & Change Management: Experience transitioning an IT environment from legacy, "person-dependent" workflows to proactive, standardized service models.
Endpoint Automation: Proficiency with endpoint management tools (such as JAMF Pro) and scripting for automated software deployment and lifecycle management.
Media & Production Technology: Experience supporting specialized hardware and software used in journalism or creative fields, such as Adobe Creative Cloud software, broadcast studio equipment, or podcast production.
Relational Technical Support: Demonstrated ability to act as a "technical translator," communicating complex concepts effectively to non-technical faculty and students.
Education or MSP Background: Experience in an academic environment (higher ed or K-12) or a Managed Service Provider (MSP) where managing diverse technical stacks and rigorous documentation was required.
Student Mentorship: Experience training, directing, or supervising student employees or casual/hourly staff in a technical environment.