JOB SUMMARY This role will be responsible for designing, managing, and optimizing the company's messaging and conferencing environment. This includes Microsoft Exchange, Exchange Online, Proofpoint, as well as Teams Conference Rooms. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in messaging infrastructure and security, ensuring seamless, secure, and efficient communication across the organization. JOB REQUIREMENTS Education / Experience: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field. Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of a degree. Minimum of 5 years of work experience designing, implementing, and supporting Exchange hybrid environments Minimum of 2 years of experience in deploying and managing Proofpoint Minimum of 2 years of experience managing mail clients in an enterprise environment. Previous experience in administering Microsoft Teams Conference rooms is highly desired Knowledge of a wide array of Microsoft 365 Services and Azure configurations highly desired PowerShell scripting or other script language experience highly desired Competencies, Knowledge, Skills Architecture, design, and management best practices of Exchange Server/Exchange Online Capacity planning and disaster recovery in a hybrid Exchange environment. Mail security best practices including anti-spam, anti-malware, bulk, SPF, DMARC, DKIM Messaging compliance requirements including Legal Holds, E-discovery, Retention Policies, and Mailbox Archiving Powershell/Graph Scripting desired The ability to collaborate and influence peer architects and engineers General knowledge of data networking, computer system security, and other infrastructure components MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Design and lead the technical direction, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of the enterprise messaging and conferencing environment, including security policies and standards. Ensure the messaging environment adheres to enterprise compliance requirements Serve as a subject matter expert for Messaging and Conferencing Develop a roadmap for messaging and conferencing environments, working with peer architects to ensure a unified plan. Train and mentor IT staff on messaging and conferencing technologies. Create and maintain documentation of systems, configurations, and procedures. Establish guidance for the configuration of mail clients to enhance user experience. Although not always required, the individual should be ready to offer guidance on critical support issues and assist with diagnosing and resolving complex problems. Identify opportunities for enhancing messaging systems, processes, and workflows. Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to recommend improvements and innovations. Present ongoing initiatives and project updates to leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and future plans. Occasional travel for internal meetings and vendor conferences Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com . Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process. Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law. Job Identification: 9429 Job Category: Information Technology Job Schedule: Full time Company: Southern Company Services Pay Range: 113900 - 156613 USD Annually: Base salary varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, and at the time of this posting, this is the reasonable salary range for this role.