English (US) Recording Director

Project Details:

• Job Title: Hydrus - Session Director - English (United States) - V2
• Project Overview: scripted and conversational audio data collection
• Purpose: help build natural, everyday-sounding synthesized voices for conversational AI products — voices that sound like real people talking, not scripted performances. 
• Estimated time: Approximately 8 hours calibration, plus supervision across two recording sessions of ~4 hours each per participant 
• Work Type: Freelance Remote
• Language: English (United States)
• Pay Rate: US$61 per hour

What You'll Do 

• Direct voice performers through scripted scenarios, coaching for natural, conversational delivery rather than verbatim recitation. 
• Build quick scene context for performers (who, where, why) and improvise to fill narrative or dialogue gaps live, keeping sessions flowing naturally. 
• Adapt scripted wording for natural phrasing and regional/dialect authenticity as needed. 
• Monitor and correct technical audio quality in real time: mic technique, pacing, clarity, and background noise. 
• Manage session pacing to meet recording targets without sacrificing performance quality, and maintain organized notes on adjustments and retakes. 
• Create a supportive, low-pressure environment for performers, including those with limited prior voice experience. 

What We're Looking For 

Required 

• Native fluency in the required language (with specific dialect), with a strong ear for natural, colloquial phrasing. 
• Experience directing, coaching, or producing voice or audio talent (e.g., voice direction, casting direction, audio/podcast production, dubbing/ADR, or theater direction). 
• Demonstrated ability to give clear, specific, actionable performance direction. 
• Strong working knowledge of basic recording/mic technique (proximity, plosives, room noise, levels). 
• Comfortable improvising and adjusting scripted material on the spot. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to build rapport quickly with performers of varying experience levels. 

Preferred (nice to have, not required) 

• Background in improv, theater direction, or acting coaching. 
• Experience directing non-professional or first-time voice talent specifically. 
• Familiarity with DAWs or recording software (e.g., Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Reaper) for spot-checking audio quality.