Voice Over Specialist (Creative Media & Audio Production)

🎯 Role Definition

As our Voice Over Specialist, you will be the key to bringing our scripts to life. You will be responsible for interpreting creative direction and infusing our content with personality, emotion, and clarity. This position is pivotal in shaping our brand's auditory identity and ensuring a consistent, high-quality listening experience for our audience across all channels, including marketing campaigns, internal training materials, product tutorials, and animated content. You are not just a reader; you are a vocal performer who connects with listeners and elevates our storytelling.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Actor (Stage or Screen)
Radio Host / Broadcaster
Podcast Host / Producer
Junior Audio Engineer

Advancement To:

Senior Voice Over Artist / Principal Vocal Talent
Voice Director / Dialogue Coach
Audio Production Manager
Casting Director (Voice)

Lateral Moves:

Sound Designer
Audiobook Narrator
Content Producer (Audio/Podcast)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform and record high-quality, professional voice-overs for a wide variety of media, including commercials, corporate videos, e-learning modules, IVR systems, and animations.
Interpret scripts to deliver performances that align with project goals, brand voice, and specific tonal requirements (e.g., energetic, conversational, authoritative, empathetic).
Manage the entire recording process from a professional home studio, ensuring a pristine, noise-free audio environment.
Edit, process, and master raw audio recordings to deliver broadcast-quality files, including noise reduction, equalization, compression, and normalization.
Collaborate effectively with producers, directors, and clients during live-directed sessions (via Source-Connect, Zoom, etc.) to incorporate feedback in real-time.
Deliver multiple takes and variations of lines as requested to provide creative options for the post-production team.
Carefully review and proofread scripts prior to recording to identify potential issues with flow, grammar, or clarity.
Research and master the correct pronunciation of complex terminology, brand names, and foreign words to ensure accuracy and professionalism.
Sync voice-over tracks to video timelines, ensuring precise timing and lip-sync when required for animated or dubbed content.
Maintain and manage all personal recording equipment, including microphones, interfaces, and software, to ensure consistent operational readiness.
Organize and manage a comprehensive library of audio files, takes, and final deliverables for easy retrieval and project tracking.
Adhere strictly to project deadlines and delivery specifications, providing files in the required formats (e.g., .WAV, .MP3) and naming conventions.
Adapt vocal style and characterization to fit different target audiences and project types, from character work for games to straightforward narration for training.
Maintain vocal health and stamina to handle long recording sessions without degradation in performance quality.
Provide voice-over for both short-form (social media ads, promos) and long-form (audiobooks, documentaries) content.
Continuously update and refine a professional demo reel to showcase vocal range and recent work.
Communicate proactively with project managers regarding availability, session scheduling, and potential roadblocks.
Perform custom auditions for new projects, demonstrating an understanding of the specific role and creative brief.
Ensure all recorded audio meets industry-standard technical specifications for loudness (LUFS) and quality.
Develop and embody distinct character voices for animated series or video game projects, maintaining consistency across multiple sessions.
Provide voice-over for accessibility initiatives, such as descriptive video services for visually impaired audiences.

Secondary Functions

Support the creative team by providing scratch tracks or temporary voice-over during the early stages of video editing.
Contribute to the casting process for other voice talent by providing expert feedback and recommendations.
Assist in scriptwriting or editing by offering suggestions to improve readability and a more natural-sounding performance.
Stay current with emerging audio technologies, plugins, and recording techniques to continuously improve workflow and quality.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency with Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) such as Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, or Reaper.
Expertise in audio editing, including punch-and-roll recording, noise removal, de-breathing, equalization (EQ), and compression.
Deep understanding of microphone technique, placement, and selection for optimal voice capture.
Ownership and operation of a professional-grade home recording studio with acoustic treatment and high-quality equipment (microphone, interface, headphones).
Knowledge of audio file formats, bit rates, sample rates, and delivery standards for web, broadcast, and telephony.
Familiarity with remote connection software like Source-Connect, ipDTL, or SessionLinkPRO for directed sessions.

Soft Skills

Exceptional diction, enunciation, and vocal control with a versatile range of tones and emotions.
Strong script interpretation and acting skills; the ability to bring words on a page to life.
High degree of "coachability" and the ability to take direction and apply feedback constructively.
Excellent time management and organizational skills to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
Strong self-discipline and motivation, particularly for remote work environments.
Clear and professional communication skills for collaborating with a diverse team of creatives and clients.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent. A compelling demo reel and proven experience are prioritized over formal education.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Theatre, Acting, Communications, Broadcasting, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Performing Arts / Theatre
Communications / Media Studies
Audio Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5+ years of professional experience as a voice-over artist, with a strong portfolio and demo reel to demonstrate capabilities.

Preferred: A proven track record of providing voice-over for corporate, commercial, or e-learning clients. Experience working in both self-directed and live-directed sessions is highly desirable.