You don't have to be a Department of One anymore
iCIMS System Admins are the hidden power behind great hiring. Yet too many work in isolation.
Alex Marcus, Founder of SAI
Hear why iCIMS System Admins love SAI
Amy Williams
Garmin
I really enjoy the Friday SAI calls. Whether I’m asking questions or just listening in, I always walk away with something valuable. It’s consistently an informative and worthwhile way to wrap up the week.
Amy Williams
Garmin
Jessica Smith
I’ve been a part of this community for years and I can’t recommend System Admin Insights enough! Incredible value from weekly consulting hours, to product deep dives, special guests with subject matter expertise, and timely feedback and responses from a community of people who “get it.”
Jessica Smith
I’ve been a part of this community for years and I can’t recommend System Admin Insights enough! Incredible value from weekly consulting hours, to product deep dives, special guests with subject matter expertise, and timely feedback and responses from a community of people who “get it.” Also, I always appreciate the integrity of SAI employees and members. I never feel like I’m being sold or pushed, and I can count on thoughtful input and discussions.
Greg Mendez
New York University
It’s more than a discussion board. It’s a hub of users and administrators of all levels who want to share information and ideas. The paid, opt-in premium tiers are worth every dollar. Between the weekly calls, helpful discussion boards, brainstorming with people across industries, and office hours, it’s the best value in town.
Greg Mendez
New York University
Angela Biehl
ATCC
System Admin Insights is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the iCIMS platform and its myriad configuration options. This community stands out for its vibrant network of admins who leverage the system in unique and innovative ways, offering a wealth of knowledge on various platform settings, configurations, integrations, and resources.
Angela Biehl
ATCC
System Admin Insights is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the iCIMS platform and its myriad configuration options. This community stands out for its vibrant network of admins who leverage the system in unique and innovative ways, offering a wealth of knowledge on various platform settings, configurations, integrations, and resources.
One of the standout features is the ability to quickly find answers through prior troubleshooting posts, making it easier to resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, the platform fosters a strong sense of community, allowing you to build your network of iCIMS gurus and share insights. The weekly calls are a great place to start as well as the iCIMS office hours to leverage the expertise of the IRD team. Additionally, the ability to validate third-party vendors with insights from other customers adds tremendous value.
Alyssa Olenick
Tower Health
The community is incredibly responsive and knowledgeable, and I can post questions or challenges and get multiple insights almost immediately. It’s not just about finding solutions; you also get additional perspectives that can help spark new ideas. It’s definitely worth the investment for anyone looking to improve their ATS processes and solve challenges more efficiently.
Alyssa Olenick
Tower Health
The community is incredibly responsive and knowledgeable, and I can post questions or challenges and get multiple insights almost immediately. It’s not just about finding solutions; you also get additional perspectives that can help spark new ideas. It’s definitely worth the investment for anyone looking to improve their ATS processes and solve challenges more efficiently.
One unexpected way this community has helped me is by teaching me things I didn’t know about the system. For example, it introduced me to conditional field logic, which has been a game-changer for process improvement and keeping our data clean. It’s not just about solving problems – it’s about discovering new features and techniques I hadn’t even considered. Beyond that, it’s comforting to know that I’m part of a very knowledgeable community where I can ask anything about the system for ideas and solutions.
If you joined the community today, I’d recommend checking out the iCIMS discussion board first. The comments there are always packed with great feedback and details that can really help spark new ideas for you. I’d also highly recommend tuning into the Friday calls. Even if you don’t have a specific question, just logging in and listening to what other members are discussing can be incredibly valuable. The insights shared on those calls are always relevant and can help you get the most out of your ATS system!
Tiffany Jin
Eqo Employee Referrals
We were able to have engaging conversations with a fantastic group of professionals in TA and HR Ops during our Product Deep Dive session. It was filled with some of the most productive and positive feedback we’ve had. After our participation, we’ve already closed multiple opportunities and have created tangible pipeline as a direct result.
Tiffany Jin
Eqo Employee Referrals
Lauren Klinedinst
Mission Veterinary Partners
This is the most productive meeting I’ve been in all day and it’s been back to back for me, so this is great. The SAI iCIMS community is my number one resource for success as an iCIMS Admin.
Lauren Klinedinst
Mission Veterinary Partners
Molly Donovan
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
SAI has provided a space to ask questions (some simple, some more complex) and to hear what others do to navigate similar situations, or simply to know that others grapple with similar challenges or pain points. It has helped me grow so much as I’ve taken on a de facto admin role on my team, and I really appreciate the community.
Molly Donovan
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
SAI has provided a space to ask questions (some simple, some more complex) and to hear what others do to navigate similar situations, or simply to know that others grapple with similar challenges or pain points. It has helped me grow so much as I’ve taken on a de facto admin role on my team, and I really appreciate the community.
I appreciate the non-judgmental crowd-sourced knowledge that we get to share with one another and learn from one another. It’s been an awesome place to hear answers to questions I’ve been asking, but also to expand my knowledge on questions I haven’t even thought about yet!
Cordell Ratner
AARP
Whether you are a novice or experienced iCIMS user, SAI is a fantastic resource group for iCIMS support and knowledge transfer. SAI membership has provided me with in-depth vision and critical thought processes to better assess and solve iCIMS system issues and share business practices to make recruiting more effective and efficient.
Cordell Ratner
AARP
Whether you are a novice or experienced iCIMS user, SAI is a fantastic resource group for iCIMS support and knowledge transfer. SAI membership has provided me with in-depth vision and critical thought processes to better assess and solve iCIMS system issues and share business practices to make recruiting more effective and efficient.
Before joining SAI, my biggest challenge was getting timely and appropriate responses to my iCIMS questions from iCIMS. I was inspired to connect with SAI at an iCIMS client group meeting. Being part of SAI is a game changer. Their weekly group discussion, one-on-one coaching, and interaction through direct messaging with other iCIMS users in SAI chat have provided significant value to our Talent Acquisition department.
The Sys Admin Journey to Mastery
With community support, you can grow from builder to optimizer to strategic partner—making a bigger impact at every stage of the journey.
Start as a Builder
You’ve got the basics down. Now you’re refining processes, optimizing reports, and solving harder problems. Office Hours and peer insights help you spot what’s working—and what needs to change.
Grow into an Optimizer
You’re shaping strategy, guiding vendor selection, and using data to drive outcomes. SAI’s frameworks and Strategic Office Hours help you sharpen your skills and grow as a trusted advisor.
Become a Strategic Partner
You’re shaping strategy, guiding vendor selection, and using data to drive outcomes. SAI’s Strategic Office Hours help you sharpen your skills and grow into a trusted advisor.
System Admin Insights Newsletter
Real-world lessons from the people who make iCIMS work on the client side. Each week, we share insights from system administrators, consultants, and tech leads navigating the realities of iCIMS optimization.
Get the insight, camaraderie, and clarity you've been missing
SAI isn’t just another learning platform—it’s a live, working community where system admins come together to solve real problems, grow their impact, and support each other in navigating the messy middle of talent tech.
Real talk from real Admins
This is the kind of in-depth solutioning you’ll find inside SAI. When Julie raised a challenge around handling work history gaps in iCIMS, fellow admins jumped in with real-world strategies—from optimizing when and where to collect data, to defining what truly constitutes an “applicant” for compliance. What followed was a rich, peer-driven exchange full of nuanced insight and immediately applicable ideas.
Our signature Free Friday Calls for iCIMS Customers
Every Friday, we host a free peer-to-peer learning call for iCIMS customers. It’s your chance to connect with other system administrators and get real-world insights—no obligation.
Meet the admins who show up
Every week, a vibrant group of system admins brings their insight, curiosity, and generosity to our Free Friday calls.
These spotlights celebrate the members who make SAI what it is—people who troubleshoot in real time, share hard-earned lessons, and stay open to learning together.
Explore member benefits
✅ Live Office Hours with IRD consultants who know iCIMS and talent acquisition
✅ Member Directory to connect with peers across industries
✅ Expert-Moderated Discussions for fast, trusted answers
✅ Live Events and exclusive resources to keep you ahead
✅ And much more—built for iCIMS system admins, by people who’ve been in your shoes.
Why we built this
Go behind the scenes with Alex and Jill as they unpack what makes SAI different from the average learning community. From the beginning, this space was designed to offer not just content, but context—peer support, shared wins, and meaningful conversation. In this clip, you’ll hear the philosophy behind Free Friday Calls and how SAI empowers system admins to grow from task executors to strategic partners.
More from Alex and Jill on community-building
Read Alex's founding story
How do you stay relevant when much of your job could be automated in the not-so-distant future? This article shares the origin story of SAI—a community born from urgency, built for transformation, and committed to preparing HR operations professionals for the future of work.
What we learned
In one recent post-show wrap-up, members shared fast, actionable takeaways—from new ways to use dynamic filtering, to managing offer templates with permission settings, to using an API to push parsed form data into iCIMS job records. A first-time attendee remarked how simply listening in revealed shared challenges and unexpected solutions. Equal parts insightful and fun—complete with a surprise theme song moment that reminded everyone why community matters.
Listen to past calls on Spotify
Get the audio version of recent Free Friday Calls—available on all major podcast platforms, no login required.
Watch the full What We Learned playlist
Explore the full What We Learned playlist to hear how real iCIMS system admins tackle challenges, share quick wins, and uncover hidden features together.
Greg Mendez
It’s more than a discussion board. It’s a hub of users and administrators of all levels who want to share information and ideas. The paid, opt-in premium tiers are worth every dollar. Between the weekly calls, helpful discussion boards, brainstorming with people across industries, and office hours, it’s the best value in town.
— Greg Mendez, New York University
Molly Donovan
“SAI has provided a space to ask questions (some simple, some more complex) and to hear what others do to navigate similar situations, or simply to know that others grapple with similar challenges or pain points. I appreciate the non-judgmental crowd-sourced knowledge that we get to share with one another and learn from one another. “
— Molly Donovan, Tallahassee Memorial HelathCare
Alyssa Olenick
“One unexpected way this community has helped me is by teaching me things I didn’t know about the system. For example, it introduced me to conditional field logic, which has been a game-changer for process improvement and keeping our data clean. It’s not just about solving problems – it’s about discovering new features and techniques I hadn’t even considered.”
— Alyssa Olenick, Tower Health
Join a supportive community of iCIMS System Administrators
System administration doesn’t have to be a solo journey. That’s why we created SAI — a space built for you. Whether you’re learning the ropes, leveling up your expertise, or leading system strategy, you’ll find real connection here.
Individual
Solo Practitioners
$2,000
/ year
Or quarterly for $600
Perfect for independent system administrators who want access to expert guidance, learning, and peer connection.
Your membership includes:
- Daily Office Hours with IRD consultants
- A searchable member directory and peer network
- Consultant-moderated discussion forums
- SHRM credit-eligible content
- Career Center access and tools for managing sponsored jobs
- AI-powered tools that unlock all content and discussions
- 1 named user license
Most Popular!
Corporate
1:1 Coaching and Team Access
$10,000
/ year
Or quarterly for $3,000
Includes everything in Individual, plus hands-on support for scaling impact across your team.
Corporate members also receive:
- Dedicated 1:1 consulting sessions with an IRD expert
- Reduced pricing on implementation and dashboard customization
- iCIMS contract review
- Candidate experience audits and optimization roadmap
- Access to all courses and learning events
- 3 transferrable user licenses
Strategic
Ultimate Success Blueprint
Custom pricing
Varies by company size
A high-touch partnership designed for organizations ready to fully leverage their iCIMS investment.
Includes everything in Corporate, plus:
- A dedicated bank of monthly configuration hours
- Quarterly strategic guidance with IRD’s HR Technology Strategist
- iCIMS Health Check and Success Blueprint
- A tailored ROI Maximization Blueprint
- Unlimited, transferrable licenses
- Access to the IRD Mastermind Leadership Cohort
Availability is limited. This tier is reserved for organizations seeking hands-on strategic partnership.
Benefits of joining the SAI Community
Real-time help when you need it
Access daily Office Hours led by seasoned iCIMS system administrators. Get fast, practical solutions to real-world challenges from people who’ve walked in your shoes.
Community-powered insight
Join a trusted network of iCIMS Admins across industries. Share strategies, ask questions, and solve problems together—no noise, no fluff, just peer support that works.
Intelligent support, built from experience
Our AI chatbot is trained on real SAI member discussions—not generic documentation—so you get smarter, faster answers that reflect how iCIMS really works in practice.
Clarity from the crowd
When you post in the community, you get real answers from experienced Admins and IRD consultants who guide the conversation, filter noise, and add insight.
Buy smarter with backup
Before you renew or buy new features, get a second set of eyes from an expert. Our iCIMS contract review support helps you avoid surprises and optimize value.
Try it free — and keep learning
Start with a 30-day free trial that includes access to our weekly live events, where real Admins learn from one another. Replays are always available, and SHRM credit is included.
Compare the memberships
Expert Access & Support
Daily small-group office hours
Dedicated weekly 1:1s
iCIMS contract review
Candidate experience analysis
Monthly configuration hours
Quarterly strategic guidance
iCIMS Success Blueprint
User Access & Licensing
Number of user licenses
Learning & Tools
SHRM credit eligibility
AI-powered support tools
Career Center access
Access to all courses
IRD Mastermind Leadership Cohort
Community Features
Private peer network
Consultant-moderated discussions
New: Paid HR tech advisory opportunities
Member directory
Free Friday Call access
DM members in the platform
When we say community, what do we mean?
The System Admin Insights (SAI) Community launched in 2024 to give iCIMS System Administrators a true professional home — a space for connection, support, and practical solutions beyond what vendor documentation can provide.
Think of it as your home base for growing as an Admin — where you stay sharp, solve problems faster, and never feel like you’re figuring it out alone.
Take a tour and see for yourself
Meet the people behind the scenes
The IRD + SAI team is dedicated to helping HR tech professionals thrive
through hands-on guidance, system optimization expertise, and a genuinely supportive peer community.
Hello, my name is Alex Marcus
I started Integral Recruiting Design to help HR and Talent Acquisition teams get more value from the complex systems they rely on every day. I had spent years working as both a recruiter and a system administrator, and I saw how often great people were left to figure things out alone, without the right tools or community.
In 2024, I launched System Admin Insights (SAI), a professional community for iCIMS System Administrators who want more than generic documentation and vendor webinars. Our members come here for real answers, peer support, and weekly touchpoints that help them stay sharp and avoid burnout.
My goal with IRD and SAI is to show that system administration is not just a support function. It’s a strategic role that deserves investment, visibility, and a place to grow.
Whether you’re here to learn, solve, or lead, we’re here to help you do it with clarity, community, and confidence.
But it’s not just me…meet the full SAI team
Common questions you might be having
“I’m just getting started as a system admin. Isn’t this too advanced for me?”
Not at all. The SAI Community supports iCIMS System Admins at every experience level. Whether you’re brand new to the platform or stepping into a more technical role, you’ll find beginner-friendly discussions, practical how-tos, and peers who’ve been exactly where you are.
“What if I don’t have time to participate fully?”
SAI is built for flexibility. Join Office Hours when you need help, browse past event replays when it fits your schedule, and participate in peer discussions at your own pace. You can get value even if you only pop in when a specific challenge comes up.
“Can I really get practical value out of a community like this?”
Yes. Our members consistently solve real problems faster thanks to the insights and tools shared here. From configuration troubleshooting to best practices and peer-reviewed ideas, SAI helps you move forward with confidence and clarity.
“I’m not sure about the investment. Is it worth it?”
We get it. That’s why we offer a 30-day free trial. SAI isn’t just another forum — it’s curated, expert-moderated, and packed with daily opportunities to learn from people who’ve done the job. For many members, even one resolved issue justifies the cost.
“I don’t know if I’ll be comfortable in a community setting.”
You’re not alone. SAI is designed to be supportive, low-pressure, and genuinely welcoming. Whether you’re more of a lurker or someone who thrives on collaboration, you’ll find a space where peers respect your pace and cheer you on.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best way to check out the community before joining?
All current iCIMS customers are welcome to attend our Free Friday Calls — no membership required. It’s a great way to get a feel for the community and connect with other iCIMS System Admins.
What can I expect after joining?
You’ll gain instant access to:
A vibrant community of iCIMS System Admins
Weekly live events (with replays)
Daily Office Hours with IRD consultants
Expert answers in our discussion threads
Access to contract reviews, resources, and more
You can engage as much or as little as you need. Some members show up every day, others pop in when they need help. It’s your space, on your terms.
What kind of support can I expect during Office Hours?
Our Office Hours are tailored to different needs and hosted by true experts:
Tactical Office Hours focus on the day-to-day: reporting, dashboards, configuration questions, and quick problem-solving. These sessions are ideal when you need hands-on, practical guidance to keep things moving.
Strategic Office Hours are hosted by Vivian Larsen, who spent over a decade managing some of iCIMS’ largest and most complex accounts, including Uber, Godiva, and Schneider Electric. These sessions are designed for big-picture conversations around system governance, M&A readiness, GDPR and compliance, and connecting your system administration work to business outcomes.
iCIMS Contract Review Hours are led by Jenny Fair, a former iCIMS Account Executive now on our consulting team. Bring your renewal terms, new proposals, or questions about pricing — Jenny helps members navigate contracts with confidence and clarity.
Each session is small-group (maximum 3 attendees) so you’ll get direct access and meaningful support.
How is the SAI Community different from other forums?
SAI is actively managed and strategically built — not just a Slack group or an open forum. We’ve been refining this community for over five years, with an intentional structure that encourages participation, trust, and sustained value.
Everything from the event calendar to moderation strategy is designed to help members stay engaged, solve problems, and grow in their roles.
How is SAI different from iCARE?
SAI is not just a support portal — it’s a community and consulting resource built by and for iCIMS System Administrators.
Consultative: We offer live Office Hours with the full IRD consulting team — all of whom have hands-on experience as recruiters and iCIMS System Admins.
Broader Scope: Our focus extends beyond iCIMS product help. We support the entire HR System Administration profession with live events, a growing course library, and a job board through our Career Center.
Independent: We’re a third-party community with no software to sell. That independence builds trust and allows for real talk about platform strengths and challenges.
Proactively Managed: This isn’t a passive forum. We’ve been curating and moderating this community since 2020, and we know what keeps people engaged, supported, and coming back.
If iCARE is like a user manual, SAI is like having a smart, experienced team on call — plus hundreds of peers who’ve done what you’re trying to do.
Is SAI only for iCIMS support?
No — SAI was designed to support the full scope of the HR System Administrator profession. While we’re known for our deep iCIMS expertise, our resources go far beyond the platform. We offer events on broader HR tech topics, a library of courses, and even a Career Center to support your professional development.
If you’re working at the intersection of TA, HR, and tech, you’ll feel right at home here.
What if I’m not very active in online communities?
That’s totally fine. Many SAI members start out quietly — attending a few events, browsing past discussions, or dropping into Office Hours only when needed. The platform is designed for value at every level of engagement. Whether you’re highly active or just looking for trusted backup when something breaks, SAI is here for you.
Can my employer sponsor my membership?
Absolutely. Many members have their SAI membership sponsored by their employer as part of their professional development or system optimization budget. Click here for a customizable letter of justification.
Can my company pay by invoice?
Yes! We’re happy to offer invoice billing for organizations that prefer not to use a credit card. Click below with the membership tier or service you’re interested in, and we’ll get you set up with an invoice and custom access link—no trial period required.
Which tier is right for you?
SAI Individual Membership
For solo practitioners | $2K/year
Get your company to sponsor you
For solo system admins ready to sharpen their skills, solve real problems faster, and stay connected.
Daily Office Hours with IRD consultants
Access to peer network and member directory
Consultant-moderated discussions
SHRM credit-eligible content
Career Center access + AI-powered support tools
1 named user license
SAI Corporate Access
For teams, with 1:1 coaching | $10K/year
Reach out—we’ll walk you through what to expect
For iCIMS customers who want 1:1 coaching, strategic guidance, and full team enablement.
Dedicated 1:1 consulting sessions with an IRD expert
iCIMS contract review + optimization insights
Candidate experience analysis
Quarterly strategy sessions and Success Blueprint delivery
- 3 named user licenses for your team
