Technologist in Residence in Cobham

As our Technologist in Residence, you will become part of the fabric of school life, much like an artist in residence. You will work openly and co-intelligently with technology and help students, teachers, parents and the wider community do the same with confidence and good judgement. You will run advanced seminars, expert workshops and coaching sessions, bring your academic and industry networks to bear on real opportunities for our community, and act as a key voice for ACS's education strategy.

This is not a teaching role. We are looking for an experienced technology professional who is excited to bring the world of industry into ACS inspiring students and staff, sharing their expertise and real-world perspective, building meaningful external partnerships, and helping the group’s schools explore how emerging technologies can be used creatively, ethically and effectively.

The successful candidate will work part or full-time during term time, based on the academic calendar.

Industry Expertise & Technology Leadership

• Bring current, real-world industry experience and expertise into ACS, helping students, staff and the wider community understand how technology is shaping the world of work
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends and developments, and identify opportunities for ACS to engage with them
• Model and promote a culture of working co-intelligently with technology
• Champion the ethical and humane use of technology, including technology for good and an understanding of the cultural and historical context of the field.

Student Engagement & Technology Experiences

• Design and deliver industry-informed masterclasses, workshops, talks and hands-on experiences for students across all three campuses
• Bring authentic industry challenges, projects and perspectives into the student experience
• Contribute to co-curricular clubs and activities, helping to develop ACS's technology offering across areas such as Computer Science, F1 Club, eSports, Film and Content Creation and STEM
• Inspire students to explore technology-related careers, industries and pathways.

Industry Connections & Partnerships

• Build and leverage strong relationships with technology companies, entrepreneurs, organisations and the wider community
• Arrange field trips, workplace visits, guest speakers and other opportunities that connect students with the technology industry
• Lead, and take ownership of, entrepreneurship initiatives, ACS school partnerships and IB Career-related Programmes
• Bring with you an established network of industry contacts that can provide meaningful opportunities, insight and experiences for the ACS community.

Supporting Teachers & Sharing Industry Expertise

• Work alongside teachers as an industry expert, bringing practical knowledge, tools, technologies and approaches into their planning and projects
• Help teachers understand how emerging technologies are being used in industry and where they can add value to learning
• Share expertise and provide informal coaching and support, without taking on the role of a classroom teacher.
• Encourage experimentation, creativity and problem-solving through hands-on technology projects
• Identify opportunities to use technology to solve practical problems within the school community
• Where appropriate, design and build lightweight apps, tools or prototypes that support teaching, learning or school life.

Technology Community & Communications

• Act as an outward-facing voice for ACS’s technology work, contributing to PR, promotion and public communications in coordination with the Marketing and Communications team
• Help showcase ACS’s technology projects, partnerships and initiatives to the wider community
• Build ACS’s profile and connections within relevant technology, innovation and business communities.

What we're looking for:

• A degree, professional qualification or equivalent experience in technology, computing, engineering, digital, design, business or another relevant field
• Significant professional experience working in the technology industry or a closely related field, with a strong understanding of how technology is used in the real world
• Current knowledge of emerging technologies and industry trends, with the curiosity to explore their potential applications
• Strong practical understanding of how technology can be used creatively, effectively and ethically
• Experience of developing, implementing or contributing to technology projects, products, services or initiatives
• An understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and other emerging technologies
• Knowledge of the technology sector and the wider ecosystem of businesses, entrepreneurs, innovators and organisations
• Experience of building and maintaining professional relationships and external partnerships
• An understanding of the importance of safeguarding and responsible practice when working with young people
• Practical fluency with current AI and digital tools, and the ability to model good, ethical practice
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to make complex ideas accessible, engaging and relevant to different audiences
• Ability to inspire and engage students without needing to adopt a traditional teaching role
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, teachers, parents and external partners
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, sharing industry expertise and supporting them to incorporate technology into their work
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to develop new industry connections and opportunities
• Creative and entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities and turning ideas into action
• Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on, practical approach to technology
• Ability to adapt communication and approach to different audiences, from students and non-technical colleagues to technology professionals and senior stakeholders
  Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, events, partnerships and priorities across three campuses
• Confidence representing ACS externally and acting as an ambassador for its technology and innovation work
• A commitment to the ethical, responsible and humane use of technology
• A genuine enthusiasm for sharing knowledge, inspiring others and bringing the real-world experience of industry into an educational environment
• A strong ethical compass and sound judgement about the use of technology with young people, including data privacy and GDPR awareness.
• Experience of coaching, mentoring, teaching or public speaking
• Experience of entrepreneurship, innovation, product development, prototyping or project-based work
• Experience engaging with schools, universities, community organisations or other groups, although previous education experience is not required
• Knowledge of technology-related career pathways and the skills required in the future workplace
• Experience working across multiple technology disciplines or in rapidly evolving environments
• Experience of contributing to or publishing research on technology, education or AI, whether academic, industry-led or practice-based.

Based mainly at Cobham, for a 1 year contract from January 2027. Salary to be disclosed to serious applicants.

Safeguarding:

ACS is committed to inclusion across race, gender, faith, identity and abilities. We believe that diversity helps us to fulfil our purpose, realise our vision and exemplify our values.

ACS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and employees of ACS are expected to share this commitment. This position is therefore subject to pre-employment compliance checks and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.