Network and Applications Specialist

Position Summary: The IT Network and Applications Specialist is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of GCI’s (Goodwill of Central Iowa) IT infrastructure, maintaining a secure and efficient network environment, and providing support for systems, tools, equipment, and software used by GCI. This position consults and interacts directly with all departments, a variety of vendors, and employees located at GCI’s headquarters, retail, and other locations on a daily basis to provide technical support to everyone fulfilling GCI’s mission, working within our values of love, kindness, and respect. Essential Job Functions:

• Design and implement secure network infrastructure to support business operations, validate system specifications, and oversee installation, configuration, documentation, maintenance, and updates of all GCI servers, networks, communications, and related technology, in collaboration with the GCI team and approved vendors to ensure security and compliance.
• Monitor and maintain network performance and security.
• Lead the testing, troubleshooting, and resolution of network, server, connectivity, communications, and security incidents, providing timely technical support to diagnose issues and restore service.
• Conduct audits to identify vulnerabilities and applying necessary updates.
• Stay updated on evolving networking technologies and industry best practices.
• Actively aid in the creation and compliance of information security procedures.
• Collaborate with the internal IT team and external vendors to deploy, configure, support, and maintain software applications and technology solutions.
• Coordinate system deployments and changes, delivering end-user training and clear communications to ensure smooth adoption, minimal business disruption, and effective ongoing support.
• Leverage system analytics and performance monitoring to track key indicators, identify trends, proactively prevent outages, and forecast future infrastructure capacity and lifecycle needs.
• Provide hands-on network and application support for GCI construction and renovation projects, contributing to site readiness, cutovers, and system integration; participate in vendor evaluations and strategic planning to ensure scalable, secure connectivity and application performance.
• Review, enhance, and create SOPs and processes to ensure proper use and maintenance of the organization’s IT assets in accordance with regulatory compliance standards.
• Serve as the organization’s main point of contact for all vendors supplying network and telecommunications services to the organization including contract review, negotiation, and renewal.
• Provide basic user service, applications, and analysis functions in a secondary capacity when needed.
• Perform occasional weekend and evening work when business critical needs or issues are identified.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Experience in network infrastructure design and implementation
• Experience maintaining network performance and security
• Ability to perform testing, troubleshooting, and resolve critical issues across all departments and various systems
• High proficiency with Microsoft products
• Ability to build and maintain a high level of trust and confidentiality., * Associate’s degree in computer science, management information systems or other technology- related fields is required. A minimum of 4 years of related full-time paid employment may be substituted for education.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in service desk/help-desk operations.
• Experience planning and managing technical infrastructure elements including wired and wireless networks, cable installation and termination (copper and fiber optic), servers, firewalls, virtual machines, NAS and SAN systems, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, A/V equipment, business communications, smart phones, and other mobile devices.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and responsiveness.
• Experience in deploying, supporting, troubleshooting Microsoft products and services
• The ability to differentiate colors and occasionally lift/move moderate amounts of weight common in IT service and support such as desktop computers, monitors, toolkits, office equipment and furniture.
• Access to reliable transportation for regular participation in work.
• Travel to Goodwill locations is occasionally necessary. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license while maintaining a good driving record and meeting the standard of the agency insurance carriers.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and dependent adult and child abuse background check.
• Possession of valid Iowa Driver’s License, a good driving record, insurable, and able to provide proof of personal vehicle insurance with a minimum of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident auto insurance liability coverage.

Skills and Abilities:

• Customer service skills of active listening and communicating to end-users in an understandable and approachable manner.
• Self-motivated, accepting of responsibility, and able to meet required deadlines.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently.
• An up-to-date knowledge of relevant technological developments and their impact on the organization.
• Ability to strategically identify forthcoming needs or issues and work proactively to avoid crisis situations.
• Able to communicate and manage IT vendor relationships
• Ability to effectively communicate with Goodwill leadership team.
• Continual attention to detail, establishing priorities, staying organized.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of stationary work at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds regularly.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Repeated grasping and detailed finger manipulation.
• Requires near and far visual acuity, depth perception, and color vision.
• Must have high level visual acuity to determine details and accuracy.

• Retirement savings account match of up to 5%
• Immediately eligible for 7 paid holidays
• PTO accrual rate beginning at 14 days per year with increases at 1 year, 2 years, and 4 years of service
• Eligibility for benefits on the first of the month following date-of-hire! Click here to see our benefits summary including medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement plan, PTO, and more!