Director, Systems Administration | Houston, TX 77074

Description

Title: Director, Systems Administration  

Department: IT  

Reporting To: Amer Kumar - VP 

Position Status: Full-Time  

FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried) 

JOB PURPOSE 

The Ashford team is expanding, and we are in search of our next key player! The Director, System Administration will spearhead the development, implementation, and maintenance of robust IT systems that elevate operational efficiency and underpin Ashford Communities' strategic objectives. We are committed to innovation and are looking for someone who shares our passion.  

This pivotal role will concentrate on optimizing technology infrastructure to ensure seamless communication and data management across all property portfolios. The Director, Systems Administration will be entrusted with overseeing system security, data integrity, and compliance with industry regulations, all while fostering innovation and leading the integration of innovative technologies to enhance service delivery.  

This position will also involve collaboration with cross-functional teams to align IT initiatives with business goals, ensuring that the technology landscape effectively supports the company's growth and significantly enhances resident and owner satisfaction. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

Systems Management 

• Previous experience overseeing the Microsoft family of products, including Office 365 and Azure databases.  
• Administration with 3rd party cloud-based systems, payroll, IT ticketing, password vault, LMS, workflow, and others.  
• Oversee the property management systems and their administration, optimization, and the integration of Entrata over OneSite. 
• Ensure system configurations meet operational requirements for leasing, maintenance, finance, and Central Screening.  
• Develop and implement best practices for system usage to maximize efficiency and accuracy. 

Team Leadership 

• Lead a team of IT support staff.  
• Provide training and development to ensure the team's proficiency in using property management systems. 
• Foster collaboration between the IT team, the global IT team, and other departments within the organization.  

Project Management 

• Led system implementation and upgrade projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery. 
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for system integration and testing. 
• Manage data migrations, ensuring data integrity during transitions. 

Vendor Management 

• Manage relationships with software vendors and service providers. 
• Oversee software licenses and service contracts and ensure compliance with terms. 
• Collaborate with vendors to troubleshoot and resolve system-related issues. 

Data Security & Compliance 

• Ensure compliance with data security protocols, including role-based access controls and encryption standards. 
• Monitor and address any vulnerabilities within the system architecture. 
• Ensure that systems adhere to relevant regulatory requirements. 

Performance Monitoring & Reporting 

• Develop and monitor system performance, uptime, and efficiency KPIs. 
• Prepare reports on system usage, productivity improvements, and budgetary impact. 
• Conduct regular system audits to ensure alignment with organizational goals. 

Support & Troubleshooting 

• Oversee the system support team in providing technical assistance to property management staff. 
• Function as the escalation point for complex technical issues and system outages. 
• Develop and maintain a knowledge base for frequently encountered system issues. 

Requirements

Qualifications 

• BA degree in IT, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• 7-10 years of experience in systems administration, preferably in the real estate or property management industry. 
• Proficiency with property management software such as Entrata, Yardi, RealPage, or similar. 
• Proven experience in managing system upgrades, migrations, and integrations. 
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, data security, and compliance requirements. 
• Excellent project management skills with experience in leading cross-functional teams. 
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities. 
• Effective leadership and communication skills. 
• Certifications in project management (PMP) or IT service management