The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services.
POSITION: System Administrator
DIVISION/OFFICE: Office of Technology and Information Systems
BULLETIN No: 01092026
SALARY RANAGE: $80,000-$85,000 (Commensurate with experience)
OPENING DATE: November 9, 2026
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
FIRST SOURCE: N/A
JOB SUMMARY:
Manage and tune in-house computer software systems and network connections to ensure high levels of availability and security of the supported business applications. This individual also participates in the planning and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure system provisioning and maintenance that is consistent with company goals, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements. This person will interact with the information technology teams to respond to incidents, and drive security initiatives.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
Enhance the maturity of the security posture by creating new use cases, identifying security gaps, and performing continuous assessments of current security capabilities. Manage communications and connection solutions, including workstation connectivity, local area networks, company website, intranet, and Internet applications. Manage end user accounts, permissions, access rights, and storage allocations in accordance with best practices regarding privacy, security, and regulatory compliance. Provide technical assistance and support for incoming requests and issues related to computer systems, software, and hardware. Perform and test routine system backups and restores. Perform root cause analysis to identify attack vectors and provide mitigation recommendations to prevent future attacks. Practice network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information. Analyze system, server, application, network, and input/output device performance. Recommend, schedule, and perform software and hardware improvements, upgrades, patches, reconfigurations, and/or purchases. Respond to queries either in person, over the phone, or via email. Monitor Helix Service Manager for tickets assigned to the queue and process based on the IT Helpdesk priority policy. Enhance the maturity of the security posture by creating new use cases, identifying security gaps, and performing continuous assessments of current security capabilities. Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Five (5) years of experience in a technical position within an IT department. Possess effective and professional communication skills, both written and verbal. Must be self-directed, detail oriented, and organized. Working technical knowledge of current systems software, protocols, and standards, including firewalls, Active Directory, windows server. Strong knowledge of LAN/WAN administration and hands-on software and hardware troubleshooting experience.
Must have a valid driver's license.
Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in information technology, and ten (3) years of experience working in an IT department.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.
Competitive Benefits:
- Health/Kaiser, 70/30 split
- Dental/MetLife, all employees paid
- Vision/VSP, all employees paid
- 401k, Safe Harbor Match-5.5% given as a benefit, will match 1% of staff contribution
- Sick Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
- Vacation Leave 4.5 Hours Every Pay Period
- 2 Personal Days
- Paid Holidays
This position IS NOT IN the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
To be considered for this position:
Submit your cover letter and resume to the Career Center Online.
UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Skills Required
- Five years of experience in a technical position within an IT department
- Effective professional written and verbal communication skills
- Self-directed, detail-oriented, and organized work style
- Working technical knowledge of firewalls, Active Directory, and Windows Server
- Strong LAN/WAN administration knowledge
- Hands-on software and hardware troubleshooting experience
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to work sensitively and effectively with diverse educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds
- Bachelor's degree in information technology
- Ten years of experience working in an IT department
What We Do
United Planning Organization (UPO) is Washington, DC’s nonprofit Community Action Agency, working with residents to advance economic security. It responds to urgent needs and helps people overcome barriers to education, employment, health, and housing through tailored human-service programs. Its work includes job training and placement, early learning, financial counseling, affordable-housing partnerships, community health, and leadership development, with the goal of helping residents build stronger lives and communities.
