Hi Gideon,
It is possible to perform administrative tasks such as adding users, adjusting dataset level privileges, etc. using database connections. This can easily be done through Geoprocessing tools such as the Create Database User tool, Change Privileges tool, Create Role (if necessary), etc., and then referencing the proper level connection in the input of the tool. Alternatively, database users and permissions can also be managed through the DBMS (SQL Server Management Studio).
You will want to create various connections- one for your database administrative user (SA / sysadmin level user), a geodatabase (sde or dbo) administrator user connection, and then subsequent database connections for data owners/creators, editors, etc.
Once you have a connection made for the database admin user (sa / sysadmin) this connection can be referenced as inputs for these tools. You can also adjust dataset level privileges using data owner connections (adjust which users have select, insert, update, delete, etc.) permissions on feature classes and feature datasets by right clicking the objects and going to Manage < Privileges.
Privileges for users in SQL Server geodatabases: Privileges for geodatabases in SQL Server—Help | ArcGIS Desktop
Create Database User: Create Database User—Help | ArcGIS Desktop
Change Privileges: Change Privileges—Help | ArcGIS Desktop
I hope this is helpful!
Best,
Rex R
