Campus IT & Systems Manager

We are building a place-based institute on a historic 300-acre high-desert campus in central Arizona (one hour equidistant to Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, and Prescott), focused on regenerative agriculture, food systems, ecological stewardship, design, and immersive education.

The campus includes more than a hundred existing buildings (homes, dorms, dining hall, classrooms, etc.) and infrastructure that once supported a long-standing educational institution. We’re reimagining and bringing them back to life through a new vision and operating model.

While we are in an early stage of development, building systems and programs from the ground up, we are doing so within the context of a nearly 100-year legacy of land stewardship on this property. This dual reality, a new enterprise emerging within an established physical campus and a deeply rooted history, shapes how we approach both our work and our community.

Our model integrates hands-on learning, hospitality, and land-based practice, bringing together farmers, designers, educators, and makers in a working campus and immersive retreat environment.

We are a small, dedicated team building something meaningful within an already remarkable physical setting, and we are looking for people who want to contribute to that process.

Job description

We are seeking an on-site IT & Campus Systems Manager to oversee, maintain, and evolve the institute’s technology infrastructure. Housing and utilities are included as part of this role.

This is not a conventional IT job.

We are looking for someone who wants to live and work as part of a growing campus community while taking ownership of the systems that keep it running. This is a hands-on, visible role responsible for ensuring that systems across campus are functional, secure, and aligned with day-to-day operations.

We are seeking someone who is present, responsive, and integrated into the life of the campus.

Role Overview
This is a residential, on-site role. While some responsibilities can be handled remotely, the position requires real-time responsiveness and active integration into daily campus operations.

Core Responsibilities

Infrastructure & Network Management

• Maintain and manage campus-wide network systems (switches, access points, bridges, servers, etc.)
• Ensure reliable internet connectivity across residential, academic, and operational spaces
• Monitor system performance and proactively address issues

On-Site Support & Responsiveness

• Provide day-to-day IT support for staff, guests, faculty, and visiting program partners
• Troubleshoot issues in real time (connectivity, devices, AV, etc.)
• Maintain a visible, approachable presence on campus

Systems Oversight

• Manage security systems (cameras, access control, as applicable)
• Maintain clear documentation of systems, hardware, and configurations
• Organize and label infrastructure (wiring, equipment, storage)

Planning & Budgeting

• Develop a phased plan for equipment upgrades and lifecycle management
• Propose and manage an annual IT budget aligned with institutional priorities
• Identify cost-effective, right-sized solutions (avoid overbuilding)

AV + Program Support

• Support events, workshops, and visiting programs with basic AV setup and troubleshooting
• Ensure classrooms and meeting spaces are functional and ready

Additional Skills (Preferred / Bonus)
We are especially interested in candidates who bring cross-functional capabilities, such as:

• Web and digital systems (website, CRM, email systems)
• Media and storytelling (photo, video, editing, documentation)
• Operational support (systems thinking, process building)
• Interest in agriculture, food systems, ecology, or land-based work

What We’re Looking For:

• Highly organized, proactive, and accountable
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, early-stage environment
• Willing to live on-site and contribute to a growing campus community
• Mission alignment with regenerative agriculture, hospitality, education, and land-based work

Success in This Role Looks Like:

• Reliable, uninterrupted network performance
• Prompt response to issues (same-day; immediate when critical)
• Clearly organized, labeled, and documented systems
• Proactive identification and resolution of issues
• Visible contribution to campus operations and readiness

Compensation:

• This role offers a monthly salary of $3,500–$4,500 (plus on-site housing, utilities, and internet), DOE and Scope, creating a total compensation package comparable to a $65K–$85K position in the central Arizona area.
• Opportunity to grow with the organization and shape long-term systems.

Evaluation Period:

• Initial 30-day evaluation period
• 60-day performance review
• Continuation of employment (and housing) is dependent on alignment, performance, and overall fit