Director (New York, NY)

About HumanSignal

Real-world data is the competitive edge in AI.

HumanSignal is a human data partner for companies building AI models and products. Our customers ship better AI, faster, because we partner with their researchers from real-world data creation to annotation to delivery.

We design and create datasets from scratch, recruit and manage the domain experts who evaluate model output, and run everything through our own platform, Label Studio, the open-source standard for data labeling and evaluation, used by over 1 million practitioners worldwide.

We specialize in the operationally complex: real-world data collection, multimodal pipelines, and multi-step workflows. Advanced ML and AI teams use our enterprise platform to run their own data factories, and our services team to extend their reach where in-house capacity runs out.

If you want to do work that materially shapes how the next generation of AI products gets built, we'd love to talk.

Director

HumanSignal is looking for a Director in the Hoboken area to lead scripted recording sessions involving everyday interactions between people and smart-home voice assistants. You'll guide participants through rehearsals and filming, helping bring natural, believable conversations to life while ensuring each scene meets the project's quality standards.

This is a hands-on, creative role that could be a great fit for actors, improv performers, theater directors, acting coaches, or anyone with a strong instinct for natural conversation and a passion for bringing out the best in people.

What you’ll do

• Lead script pre-reads, rehearsals, and live recording sessions, helping participants understand their roles, actions, and intended conversational flow.
• Coach participants on natural delivery, improvisation, ad-libbing, back-channeling, pauses, interruptions, and the subtle conversational beats that make interactions feel authentic.
• Monitor dialogue timing, latency, speech overlaps, and turn-taking between user and assistant personas, identifying deviations and guiding corrections.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback in real time, helping participants improve performances across multiple takes.
• Balance spontaneous interactions with script requirements, ensuring scenes remain consistent with the intended objectives.
• Step in to demonstrate, redirect, or adjust performances when needed to maintain quality and conversational realism.
• Work closely with the Scene Coordinator and Tech Ops team to ensure scenes, props, participants, and equipment are ready for filming.
• Keep sessions moving efficiently and meet expected daily scene throughput targets without compromising quality.

Who you are

• You have experience in acting, directing, improv, theater, voice performance, or a similar performance-focused environment.
• You have a strong instinct for natural conversation, including timing, pacing, reactions, and interpersonal dynamics.
• You're comfortable coaching participants, giving actionable feedback, and adapting direction as scenes unfold.
• You can identify unnatural dialogue, missed cues, and performance inconsistencies quickly.
• You're organized, collaborative, and comfortable working toward daily production targets.
• Experience directing conversational performances, scripted dialogue, or on-camera talent is a plus.

Physical & field requirements

The following are essential functions of this field-based role and must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Carry approximately 20-30 pounds of field equipment between sets.

HumanSignal will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the role.

Details

• Contract Duration: To be confirmed during the recruitment process
• Up to 40 hours per week
• $30 to $60 per hour, depending on relevant experience
• Occasional evening and weekend availability required
• In-person, studio-based role in Hoboken, NJ and surrounding areas