Microsoft 365 Exchange Administrator

The Microsoft 365 Exchange Administrator is responsible for the administration, maintenance, security, and support of the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Microsoft 365 messaging environment. This position administers Exchange Online and hybrid Exchange environments, manages mail flow and messaging security, supports compliance and eDiscovery initiatives, develops PowerShell automation, and ensures the availability, reliability, and security of enterprise messaging services. The Microsoft 365 Exchange Administrator collaborates with Information Services staff, Legal Office personnel, vendors, and business stakeholders to maintain a secure, highly available Microsoft 365 environment while supporting the Court’s operational and regulatory requirements., The following are the duties and responsibilities of the Microsoft 365 / Exchange Administrator:

• Design, implement, administer, and maintain the Circuit Court’s Microsoft 365 messaging environment, including Exchange Online and hybrid Exchange infrastructure.
• Administer Exchange Online mailboxes, shared mailboxes, distribution groups, resource mailboxes, mail-enabled security groups, and Microsoft 365 licensing.
• Configure and manage mail flow, connectors, transport rules, SMTP routing, and email security services.
• Administer Microsoft Entra ID identities and authentication services as they relate to Microsoft 365 messaging.
• Develop, recommend, implement, and maintain Microsoft 365 administration policies, procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Lead Microsoft 365 messaging projects, migrations, software upgrades, and infrastructure enhancements.
• Monitor Microsoft 365 service health, system performance, and messaging availability to ensure reliable operations.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize PowerShell scripts to automate administrative processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve Microsoft 365, Exchange Online, hybrid Exchange, authentication, mail flow, and messaging-related issues in a timely manner.
• Administer Exchange Online Protection (EOP) and other email security technologies to help protect against spam, malware, and phishing attacks.
• Support Microsoft Purview compliance features, including retention policies, litigation holds, eDiscovery, auditing, and records management in collaboration with the Circuit Court’s Legal Office.
• Maintain technical documentation, system configurations, operational procedures, and administrative reports.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, and Help Desk teams to resolve enterprise messaging issues.
• Participate in after-hours maintenance activities and provide support during planned maintenance windows or emergency situations, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory personnel.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a closely related field;
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience administering Microsoft 365 and Exchange environments supporting enterprise-class organizations with high availability requirements.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience administering Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online environments.
• Experience supporting hybrid Exchange deployments.
• Demonstrated experience administering Microsoft Entra ID and identity management services.
• Demonstrated experience administering Exchange Online Protection (EOP) and enterprise email security solutions.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining PowerShell automation for Microsoft 365 administration.
• Experience supporting Microsoft Purview compliance features, including retention policies, eDiscovery, and litigation holds.
• Experience with SMTP mail routing, DNS, and email authentication technologies including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
• Experience supporting Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft 365 desktop applications.
• Experience planning and implementing Microsoft 365 upgrades, migrations, and service improvements.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel between Circuit Court facilities, as required.
• Ability to work assigned shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime, when operationally necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Technical Knowledge

• Microsoft 365 Administration
• Exchange Online
• Hybrid Exchange
• Microsoft Entra ID
• Exchange Online Protection (EOP)
• Microsoft Purview
• Microsoft 365 licensing and administration
• PowerShell scripting and automation
• SMTP mail routing and transport rules
• DNS configuration, including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
• Enterprise email security technologies
• Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft 365 applications

Technical Skills

• Ability to troubleshoot complex Microsoft 365, Exchange Online, authentication, and messaging issues.
• Ability to monitor system performance and proactively identify operational concerns.
• Ability to automate administrative tasks through PowerShell scripting.
• Ability to prepare and maintain technical documentation, procedures, and reports.
• Ability to support enterprise messaging environments requiring high availability and business continuity.

Professional Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when resolving complex technical issues.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive information.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development., * Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate
• Experience administering Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
• Experience with Microsoft Intune.
• Experience using Microsoft Graph PowerShell modules.
• Experience supporting Azure Automation or similar automation platforms.
• Experience working within a government, judicial, or other highly regulated environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service, ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sit for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.
• Frequently use a computer keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other office equipment.
• Occasionally lift and move computer equipment weighing up to 45 pounds.
• Occasionally bend, reach, or twist while installing or servicing equipment.
• Ability to travel between Court facilities, as required.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Competitive Salaries
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time