Innovation Strategist (AI)

SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL LIMITED; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An international educational institution located in Singapore is looking for an Innovation and Technology Strategist to lead applied research in AI and emerging technologies. The role requires a bachelor's degree and significant experience in innovation and design strategy. Responsibilities include mentoring teams, creating strategic reports, and embedding ethical practices in technology implementation. Strong communication and facilitation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in a relevant role.
• Skilled at translating technical concepts into narratives for diverse audiences.
• Commitment to advancing human-centered, values-driven innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead applied research in AI and emerging technologies.
• Create strategic foresight reports mapping tech trends.
• Mentor cross-functional teams in technology application.
• Embed ethical AI principles in innovation processes.

Skills

Experience in innovation, AI, design strategy, or emerging technology

Ability to prototype and evaluate AI solutions

Strong facilitation and collaboration skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field

Job description

Position Responsibilities

The specific roles and responsibilities are subject to change and evolve and may include but not be limited to any of the following areas:

Applied Research & Technology Strategy

• Lead applied research exploring AI, machine learning, synthetic media, XR, and data-driven workflows within real educational contexts.
• Evaluate and prototype new technologies, identifying scalable, ethical applications that enhance creativity, personalization, and efficiency.
• Create strategic foresight reports mapping technological trends to institutional opportunities, informing long-term planning and investment.
• Develop design specifications and proofs of concept in partnership with SAS’s AI Engineer and internal development teams.

Experience & Systems Design

• Translate complex technical capabilities into human-centred design frameworks for learning and operations.
• Prototype new AI-enhanced experiences - e.g. intelligent tutoring, generative design studios, or workflow automation tools that remove friction for educators.
• Architect the data and integration models that enable interoperability between school systems and AI-driven tools.
• Ensure that all implementations balance innovation with governance, security, and privacy compliance.

Community Capacity & Culture Building

• Design and deliver innovation sprints, labs, and workshops that upskill teams in creative problem-solving, prompt engineering, and AI literacy.
• Mentor cross-functional project teams, helping them prototype and iterate solutions with measurable value.
• Build internal playbooks and toolkits that enable repeatable, scalable innovation practices across the organization.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the Ed Tech Team, supporting AI adoption in both academic and operational domains.

Ethics, Equity & Responsible Innovation

• Embed ethical AI principles - transparency, accountability, and inclusion into every stage of the design and deployment cycle.
• Collaborate with the AI Learning Specialists and leadership to evolve the SAS AI Governance Framework and Digital Literacy standards.
• Develop and deliver public-facing sessions and artifacts that help students, parents, and staff navigate the human implications of AI.
• Promote SAS globally as a model for values-driven, human-centred innovation through thought leadership, writing, and events.

Partnership & Ecosystem Building

• Forge collaborations with startups, research institutes, and technology partners to co-develop pilots and share applied research findings.
• Lead external showcases and demo events that make innovation visible.
• Represent SAS in global innovation networks, positioning the school as an R&D collaborator and testbed for next-generation educational technologies.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in professional learning opportunities, staying abreast of trends in AI and emerging technologies and their application in education.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Director of Technology and Innovation.

Position Requirements & Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field
• Minimum two years of experience in an innovation, AI, design strategy, or emerging technology role within industry, R&D, or consulting
• Proven ability to prototype, test, and evaluate emerging AI or digital solutions in applied settings
• Skilled at translating complex technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences
• Strong facilitation, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with experience leading cross-functional teams or projects
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills

Preferred

• Advanced degree in a relevant field
• Prior experience in education technology, digital transformation, or social impact innovation.
• Familiarity with data governance, AI policy, and responsible innovation frameworks.
• Demonstrated research and analytical skills to assess emerging technologies and generate actionable insights
• Understanding of ethical AI principles, data privacy, and digital equity
• Commitment to advancing equitable, human-centered, and values-driven innovation in learning environments