Head of Virtual Character Development

About the Role

This position calls for a forward-thinking leader to shape the future of virtual character creation. You will guide the development, refinement, and overall direction of digital humans, AI-driven personas, interactive agents, virtual influencers, and other next-generation character experiences. The role blends creative direction, narrative design, performance development, and cross-platform deployment for use across entertainment, education, marketing, gaming, immersive media, and AI-powered products. It is a hands-on leadership role that involves close collaboration with AI engineers, writers, performers, animators, designers, researchers, and product teams to create character systems that are engaging, believable, and scalable.

Key Responsibilities

You will lead the research, planning, and execution of virtual character initiatives across multiple products and platforms. The role involves setting the character vision, defining personality systems and behavioral principles, and building long-term roadmaps for development. You will oversee the creation and deployment of digital humans, avatars, conversational agents, and virtual influencers, while ensuring the experience remains consistent and compelling across touchpoints.

You will work closely with writers, performers, animators, AI specialists, and creative teams to maintain strong character continuity and emotional impact. In addition, you will create character bibles, documentation for personality and interaction rules, and narrative structures that support ongoing development. You will also manage the full character lifecycle, from concept work through launch, optimization, and future expansion.

Another part of the role is establishing standards for quality and defining ways to measure character performance, audience engagement, and user satisfaction. You will keep track of developments in AI, digital humans, virtual production, gaming, and immersive media, and coordinate with internal teams and external collaborators to deliver projects successfully. The role also includes supporting demos, presentations, strategic partnerships, and thought leadership activities tied to virtual character technologies.

Requirements

Candidates should hold at least a BA or MA in Digital Media, Game Design, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, Performing Arts, Psychology, Creative Writing, Animation, or a similar discipline, though equivalent professional experience may also be accepted.

A minimum of 5 years of experience in character development, digital media, gaming, AI products, interactive storytelling, virtual production, or a closely related field is required. You should have a strong grasp of character design, personality building, narrative development, and audience engagement, along with practical exposure to digital humans, avatars, virtual influencers, conversational AI systems, or interactive characters.

The role also requires familiarity with AI technologies, large language models, character-led experiences, and emerging digital human platforms. Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex creative or technical projects is important, as are strong project management capabilities covering budgeting, scheduling, stakeholder coordination, and strategic planning. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities are essential, along with the capacity to connect creative, technical, and business goals in an innovative environment. A portfolio or track record of successful character-focused work is expected. Fluency in English is required, and additional languages are an advantage.

What We Offer

You will have the chance to help define a rapidly evolving field and lead the future of virtual character development. The role offers collaboration with AI specialists, designers, developers, performers, storytellers, and researchers, along with access to advanced technologies, production support, and research tools.

There are opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge work involving digital humans, artificial intelligence, gaming, immersive experiences, and interactive media. The environment supports professional growth, industry visibility, and thought leadership, while encouraging experimentation and bold ideas in a flexible and creativity-focused workplace.

Application Requirements

Applicants are asked to send their CV, a one-page cover letter explaining their relevant experience and their vision for the future of virtual characters and digital humans, a portfolio or links to three relevant projects, and two references including name, role, and contact details. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and will also be asked to present a brief virtual character strategy, a character ecosystem concept, or a case study showing their approach to building engaging and scalable digital personalities.

Equal Opportunity Note

Applications are encouraged from people with a wide range of backgrounds, including professionals from AI, gaming, storytelling, animation, performing arts, psychology, XR, and digital media.