Hydrus - Session Director - English (US) - V2

About the Project

Project Hydrus is a scripted and conversational audio data collection project. The recordings produced help build natural, everyday-sounding synthesized voices for conversational AI products — voices that sound like real people talking, not scripted performances.

As Session Director, you'll lead live recording sessions with Voice Contributors, guiding them through scripted scenarios to produce natural, conversational-quality audio. This hands-on role blends creative direction, coaching, and technical audio judgment — making scripted material sound authentic and unscripted, rather than recited, while keeping sessions moving at a natural pace.

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.
• Commitment & Compensation
• Estimated time: Approximately 8 hours calibration, plus supervision across two recording sessions of ~4 hours each per participant
• Work Type - Freelance Remote
• Why Join Welo Data?
• ✨ Limitless Flexibility
• Project-based opportunities that fit your availability. Choose when and how much you want to contribute—fully remote, with complete autonomy.
• 🌱
• Limitless Growth
• Optional access to AI and Large Language Model workshops designed specifically for professionals like you. No coding required—just your expertise.
• 🌍
• Limitless Support
• Be part of a global contributor community with responsive guidance and support.
• 💡
• Real Impact
• Apply your expertise in the Legal field to influence the AI systems shaping the future of your industry—while collaborating with data professionals and expanding your skills.
• How to Apply?
• Apply now by answering a few quick questions to join our database and become part of our growing community.

About Welo Data

Welo Data, part of Welocalize, is a global AI data company with 500,000+ contributors delivering high-quality, ethical data to train the world’s most advanced AI systems. We’re building smarter, more human AI with a diverse community in 100+ countries.

At Welo Data, Limitless AI. Limitless You. isn’t just a slogan—it’s our promise. We build smarter AI through the power of human contribution, offering limitless opportunities for our global community to grow, contribute, and work on their terms.