Director of Talent

Smosh is seeking a Director of Talent to lead the performance, development, and structure of our talent division. This is a people leadership role focused on managing and developing on-screen talent, not a creative role.

Reporting to the CEO, this role oversees full-time cast members and the broader part-time talent roster, ensuring clear expectations, strong accountability, and ongoing growth. The Director of Talent partners closely with Programming, Production, and Marketing to align talent performance with business and content needs, while overseeing the Talent Coordinator and the systems that support talent operations.

The ideal candidate is a strong people leader who understands performance-driven environments and can support talent growth while maintaining a collaborative, professional culture.

Responsibilities

Talent Leadership & Performance

• Manage full-time cast members and oversee the broader talent roster


• Directly manage the Talent Coordinator and lead talent operations


• Set clear expectations for preparation, professionalism, collaboration, and brand representation


• Lead goal-setting, feedback, and performance conversations


• Address performance issues directly and constructively

Talent Development

• Build and manage development plans aligned with company needs


• Identify opportunities for skill-building, including hosting, improv, and performance growth


• Support talent in expanding their range across formats


• Partner with Programming to align casting with long-term development

Talent Strategy & Utilization

• Monitor and balance talent usage across programming


• Identify opportunities to elevate emerging talent


• Track participation trends and adjust as needed


• Support roster planning, talent scouting, and evaluation of external talent

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Programming, Production, and Marketing to align talent across initiatives


• Maintain strong collaboration between talent, production, and leadership


• Establish and refine systems for communication, meetings, and performance tracking


• Ensure talent operations effectively support the overall strategy

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in talent management, casting, performance coaching, or talent development


• Experience managing on-camera talent


• Strong leadership skills with the ability to set clear standards and build trust


• Experience in digital media, production, or creator-driven environments preferred


• Background in improv, acting, or performance coaching is a plus