Department: Information Technology
Reports To: [Executive Leadership / Head of Campus Services]
Location: SPIRE Academy – Geneva, Ohio
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000 per year
FLSA Status: Exempt
About SPIRE Academy and the Position
The right candidate for this job will be ready to lead technology within one of America's premier sports academies. This is a hands-on leadership role supporting elite athletes, boarding students, coaches, international families, large sporting events, research initiatives, and business operations in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
SPIRE Academy is an elite sports and education organization dedicated to developing student-athletes through the integration of academics, athletic performance, mindset development, and life skills. SPIRE operates a large, multi-building campus and is a fast-paced, sports-oriented training and events facility serving student-athletes, families, coaches, faculty, staff, athletes, teams, and guests.
Technology is an essential part of SPIRE's daily operations and supports a diverse environment that includes education, athletics, residential life, sports performance, training, camps, competitions, events, administrative operations, and facility management.
SPIRE is seeking a hands-on, service-oriented IT Manager to take ownership of the organizations technology environment. This individual will be responsible for day-to-day IT operations, end-user support, systems and network administration, cybersecurity coordination, technology infrastructure, data protection, vendor management, and the ongoing improvement of SPIRE technology systems.
The ideal candidate is a practical problem solver who can move comfortably between a wide range of responsibilities—from helping an employee resolve a technology issue, to troubleshooting a network problem, to managing cybersecurity protocols, to coordinating with outside technology specialists on complex infrastructure or security needs. This is an opportunity for an IT professional who enjoys working in a dynamic, fast-paced, highly active environment where priorities can change quickly and technology needs may arise across academics, athletics, training facilities, events, competitions, camps, and residential life.
The IT Manager will be expected to personally handle routine and moderately complex IT issues while appropriately engaging outside specialists, managed service providers, and technology vendors for advanced technical, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and specialized system needs.
Position Summary
The IT Manager will serve as SPIRE'S primary internal technology resource and will oversee the day-to-day management, support, security, and continuous improvement of the organization technology environment and the IT team.
The position requires broad knowledge across IT operations, including:
-
End-user technical support
-
Computer hardware and software
-
Google Workspace and cloud-based applications
-
Network administration and Wi-Fi
-
Systems administration
-
User accounts and access management
-
Cybersecurity
-
Data protection and backups
-
Disaster recovery
-
Technology asset management
-
Audio/visual and event technology
-
Security and access control technology
-
Vendor and managed service provider management
The IT Manager will work closely with leadership, faculty, staff, coaches, student-athletes, residential life personnel, and external vendors to ensure that SPIRE technology systems are reliable, secure, and responsive to the needs of a constantly changing organization.
Essential Responsibilities
1. IT Operations & End-User Support
-
Serve as the primary point of contact for IT support across SPIRE.
-
Provide hands-on technical support to employees, faculty, coaches, students, athletes, and authorized users.
-
Troubleshoot hardware, software, connectivity, printing, email, and other technology issues.
-
Install, configure, maintain, and replace computers, laptops, tablets, printers, and other technology equipment.
-
Manage the onboarding and offboarding of employees and other authorized users.
-
Create, modify, and deactivate user accounts and access permissions.
-
Maintain accurate records of IT equipment and technology assets.
-
Establish and maintain procedures for technology support and issue resolution.
-
Provide clear and timely communication regarding technology outages and issues.
-
Provide user training and technology awareness support as needed.
2. Network & Infrastructure
-
Monitor and maintain SPIRE wired and wireless network infrastructure
-
Troubleshoot network connectivity and performance issues.
-
Support network components including switches, routers, wireless access points, firewalls, VPNs, and related infrastructure.
-
Maintain working knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, Wi-Fi, and basic network security.
-
Monitor network performance and identify potential issues before they impact operations.
-
Coordinate with internet service providers and outside network vendors.
-
Assist with network upgrades, expansions, and infrastructure improvement projects.
-
Maintain accurate documentation of network infrastructure and configurations.
-
Help ensure reliable technology connectivity across SPIRE campus, training facilities, classrooms, athletic venues, offices, and residential areas.
3. Cybersecurity
-
Serve as the internal coordinator for SPIRE cybersecurity program.
-
Implement and maintain cybersecurity best practices appropriate to the organization & size and risk profile.
-
Manage or coordinate endpoint protection, antivirus, and security monitoring solutions.
-
Maintain multi-factor authentication and appropriate access controls.
-
Monitor and respond to potential security incidents.
-
Coordinate cybersecurity incident response with outside specialists when necessary.
-
Maintain appropriate security patches and software updates.
-
Assist with vulnerability identification and remediation.
-
Help protect SPIRE against phishing, malware, ransomware, unauthorized access, and other cyber threats.
-
Conduct or coordinate employee cybersecurity awareness and phishing training.
-
Develop and maintain cybersecurity policies and procedures
-
Work with leadership and external cybersecurity partners to evaluate organizational risk.
-
Assist with cybersecurity insurance requirements and security assessments.
-
Ensure appropriate protection of sensitive student, employee, family, financial, and organizational data.
Note: The IT Manager is not expected to be a specialized cybersecurity engineer but must possess sufficient cybersecurity knowledge to identify risks, implement appropriate controls, manage routine security operations, and effectively coordinate with external cybersecurity professionals.
4. Google Workspace & Cloud Systems
-
Administer Google Workspace and related cloud-based services.
-
Manage user accounts, licenses, permissions, and security settings
-
Support Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Meet, Google Classroom, and other applicable Google services.
-
Manage email security and spam/phishing protection.
-
Support cloud-based applications used throughout the organization.
-
Coordinate with vendors and application providers when technical issues arise.
-
Maintain appropriate user access and permissions.
-
Help ensure secure and effective use of Google Workspace across academic, administrative, athletic, and residential operations.
5. Backup, Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
-
Manage or coordinate data backup systems.
-
Regularly verify that backups are operating properly.
-
Participate in backup restoration testing.
-
Maintain appropriate procedures for data recovery.
-
Develop and maintain an IT disaster recovery and business continuity plan.
-
Participate in planning for technology outages, cybersecurity incidents, and other disruptions.
-
Coordinate with external providers during major technology incidents.
6. Campus, Sports & Event Technology
-
Support and coordinate technology systems used throughout SPIRE & fast-paced, multi-use campus, including:
-
Classrooms and academic spaces
-
Athletic and sports training facilities
-
Competition and event venues
-
Camps and training programs
-
Audio/visual systems
-
Video and streaming technology
-
Digital signage
-
Security cameras
-
Electronic access control systems
-
Phone and VoIP systems
-
Point-of-sale systems
-
Printing and scanning systems
-
Residential life and dormitory technology
-
Administrative offices
-
Technology supporting special events and competitions
The IT Manager will work with specialized vendors and contractors when systems require
expertise outside the IT Manager & capabilities.
Because SPIRE operates as a sports-oriented training and events facility, the IT Manager must be
comfortable working in an environment where technology needs may arise on short notice and
where the organization can shift rapidly between normal daily operations, athletic competitions,
camps, training programs, and large-scale events
7. Business Applications & Systems
-
Support the technology infrastructure associated with SPIRE & business and operational applications.
-
Work with departments to identify technology needs and potential improvements.
-
Assist with implementation and maintenance of software systems.
-
Support integrations between systems when appropriate.
-
Manage user access and permissions for applicable systems.
-
Coordinate with vendors for application support and troubleshooting.
-
Help evaluate new technology solutions based on organizational needs, cost, security, and usability.
8. Vendor & Managed Service Provider Management
-
Serve as SPIRE & primary internal technology contact for outside IT and technology vendors.
-
Manage relationships with managed service providers, cybersecurity firms, internet providers, software vendors, and other technology partners.
-
Escalate complex issues to appropriate vendors or specialists.
-
Monitor vendor performance and service levels.
-
Assist with evaluating and selecting technology vendors.
-
Review technology proposals and make recommendations to leadership.
-
Help negotiate technology purchases, contracts, and service agreements.
-
Ensure outside providers maintain appropriate security and service standards.
9. IT Planning, Budgeting & Asset Management
-
Develop and maintain an annual IT operating and capital budget
-
Track technology expenditures and identify cost-saving opportunities.
-
Develop hardware and software replacement schedules
-
Maintain an accurate inventory of technology assets
-
Research and recommend technology upgrades and improvements.
-
Evaluate the cost, security, reliability, and operational impact of proposed technology investments.
-
Assist leadership with long-term technology planning.
-
Develop a technology roadmap aligned with SPIRE & strategic priorities.
10. Policies, Procedures & Compliance
-
Develop, maintain, and enforce IT policies and procedures.
-
Establish appropriate standards for acceptable technology use.
-
Maintain policies for password security, access control, device management, data protection, and cybersecurity.
-
Assist with compliance requirements applicable to SPIRE.
-
Maintain appropriate documentation of IT systems and procedures.
-
Protect the confidentiality of student, employee, family, financial, and organizational information.
11. Project Management
-
Lead or coordinate IT-related projects from planning through implementation.
-
Manage technology installations, upgrades, migrations, and system implementations.
-
Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
-
Establish project timelines and communicate progress.
-
Ensure projects are completed on schedule and within approved budgets.
-
Provide post-implementation support and documentation.
12. Event & After-Hours Support
-
SPIRE operates a large sports campus and training facility that hosts competitions, camps, training programs, events, and other activities outside of traditional business hours.
-
The IT Manager may occasionally be required to provide or coordinate technology support during:
-
Athletic competitions
-
Camps and training programs
-
Major events
-
System upgrades
-
Technology emergencies
-
Evenings or weekends when necessary
The expectation is not that the IT Manager will be available 24/7 for routine issues, but that
reasonable availability and an established escalation process will exist for critical technology
outages and cybersecurity incidents.
Required Qualifications
3–5 years of progressively responsible IT experience, with experience in IT support,
systems administration, networking, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience supporting a broad range of IT functions in a small or mid-
sized organization.
Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace and cloud-based technology.
Experience with computer hardware, software installation, troubleshooting, and lifecycle
management.
Working knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, Wi-Fi,
VPNs, and basic firewall concepts.
Demonstrated understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices.
Experience with user account administration and access management.
Experience with data backup and recovery systems.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate technical concepts to nontechnical users.
Ability to prioritize multiple competing requests and work independently.
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment.
Ability to work effectively with outside vendors and technical specialists.
Ability to occasionally work evenings or weekends when critical technology needs or
major events require support.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor & degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a
related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
Experience working in an educational, athletic, hospitality, healthcare, sports, training, or
multi-building campus environment.
Experience supporting a fast-paced organization with frequent events or changing
technology needs.
Experience managing technology for 100+ users.
Experience with Google Workspace administration.
Experience with enterprise Wi-Fi and network infrastructure.
Experience with firewall administration.
Experience with endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.
Experience with cybersecurity incident response.
Experience with security cameras and access control systems.
Experience with AV and event technology.
Experience with cloud-based applications and SaaS environments.
Experience managing IT vendors and managed service providers.
Experience developing IT policies and cybersecurity procedures.
Experience managing IT budgets and technology projects.
Preferred Certifications
Certifications are desirable but not required. Relevant certifications may include:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
Google Workspace certifications or relevant Google technology credentials
Cisco CCNA
ITIL Foundation
Other relevant networking, systems administration, or cybersecurity certifications
Equivalent professional experience may substitute for formal certifications.
Key Competencies
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Hands-On Technical Ability: Willingness and ability to personally troubleshoot and
resolve technology issues.
Cybersecurity Awareness: Strong understanding of cybersecurity risks and practical
security controls.
Problem Solving: Ability to diagnose issues, identify root causes, and implement
effective solutions.
Customer Service: Patience, professionalism, and a commitment to helping users.
Communication: Ability to translate complex technical concepts into understandable
language.
Prioritization: Ability to distinguish urgent technology issues from routine requests.
Project Management: Ability to organize and complete technology initiatives.
Vendor Management: Ability to effectively manage external providers and specialists.
Adaptability: Comfort working in a fast-paced, sports-oriented environment where
priorities can change quickly.
Confidentiality: Sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
Ownership: Willingness to take responsibility for SPIRE & technology environment and
follow issues through to resolution.
Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying current with evolving technology and
cybersecurity threats.
Service Mindset: Ability to support a diverse community of students, athletes, families,
faculty, staff, coaches, and guests with professionalism and responsiveness.
Performance Expectations
Within the first 90 days, the IT Manager is expected to:
1. Complete an assessment of SPIRE & current IT infrastructure.
2. Document major systems, networks, vendors, and technology assets.
3. Review current cybersecurity practices and identify significant risks.
4. Review backup and disaster recovery procedures.
5. Establish a clear process for IT support requests and issue tracking.
6. Review user access and account management procedures.
7. Identify critical technology vulnerabilities and recommend priorities for remediation.
8. Establish regular communication with key technology vendors.
9. Develop an initial IT improvement roadmap and recommended priorities.
10. Present leadership with a preliminary assessment of technology needs, risks, and
opportunities.
Within the first year, the IT Manager should establish a sustainable IT operating framework that
provides SPIRE leadership with visibility into technology risks, cybersecurity, infrastructure
needs, technology spending, and major improvement priorities.
Compensation
Annual Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000
The final salary offer will be based on the candidate & experience, technical expertise,
cybersecurity knowledge, certifications, and overall qualifications.
SPIRE may also offer a comprehensive benefits package, subject to applicable plan terms and
eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Statement
SPIRE Academy is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified
individuals. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, skills, and
organizational needs, without regard to legally protected characteristics.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by
employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. Responsibilities may be
modified or expanded as organizational needs evolve.
