At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing communications team and shape impactful strategies.
- Company: Join the ICO, a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of information rights.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion with guaranteed interviews for eligible candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public trust and compliance through innovative communications.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in leading communications teams and advising senior leaders.
The predicted salary is between 91276 - 104513 £ per year.
Salary: £91,276 - £104,513 pa (potential to progress to £117,748 pa). Location: Hybrid, contracted to Wilmslow or London office, relocating to Manchester from 28 September 2026.
We are looking for an exceptional Director of Communications to lead a modern, high‐performing communications function at the heart of the ICO. Reporting to the Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs, you will set a clear, ambitious vision for communications and ensure it is embedded early in organisational decision‐making. Your focus will be on impact, insight and outcomes, using communications as a core regulatory tool. You will advise the Executive Team on sensitive and high‐profile issues, shape how the ICO explains its role and decisions, and strengthen understanding, trust and compliance.
Responsibilities
- Set and lead the ICO's communications strategy, aligned to regulatory objectives and corporate priorities.
- Position communications as a strategic asset, shaping behaviour, supporting compliance and reinforcing the ICO's authority.
- Provide senior counsel on reputational, sensitive and high‐profile issues, including crisis readiness and response.
- Lead insight‐driven, measurable communications, grounded in audience understanding, data and evaluation.
- Champion digital‐first, modern communications practice, encouraging creativity, innovation and pace with appropriate governance.
- Own and shape the ICO's overarching corporate narrative, building public confidence in information rights and regulation.
- Build strong internal and external relationships, including with senior leaders, partners and media.
- Lead and develop a high‐performing, inclusive communications function, building capability and confidence at every level.
- Manage resources, budgets and agencies to ensure value for money and maximum impact.
Essential Criteria
- Significant experience leading large, multi‐disciplinary communications and engagement teams in a public sector or a similarly scrutinised environment.
- Proven experience advising senior leaders on complex, sensitive and reputationally significant communications issues.
- Experience managing resources and budgets, including commissioning and working with agencies to enhance delivery.
- Insight‐driven approach: strong understanding of audience insight, evaluation and performance measurement.
Additional Essential Criteria
- Demonstrable ability to use communications to shape outcomes – influencing understanding, behaviour, trust or organisational effectiveness.
- Experience setting and delivering communications strategy across multiple disciplines (media, digital, campaigns, stakeholder or events).
- Experience leading and developing senior managers and building high‐performing, confident teams.
- Strategic judgement and influence: able to engage confidently with senior leaders, provide challenge, and secure buy‐in across an organisation.
- Leadership presence: credible, calm and authoritative, particularly in high‐pressure or high‐profile situations.
- Digital and modern communications literacy: able to lead digital‐first thinking, creativity and innovation at a senior level.
- Excellent communication skills: able to distil complex or technical issues into clear, trusted and accessible messages.
- Inclusive leadership: ability to develop talent, support diversity of thinking and create an environment where people can perform at their best.
- Experience leading communications transformation or capability uplift.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion. We guarantee an interview to candidates who identify as belonging to an ethnic minority background and who meet the minimum criteria, and to candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria as part of our Disability Confident Scheme. If you have a disability or impairment and require an alternative application method, please contact the recruitment team.
Clearance Required
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
Closing Date
Please submit your CV and cover letter by 23:59 Tuesday 2 June. The cover letter should be no more than 1,000 words and clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria.
Director of Communications in Wilmslow employer: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
The ICO is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, prioritising employee growth and development. With a focus on impactful communications and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees are empowered to innovate and excel in their roles. The hybrid working model, alongside the opportunity to shape the future of communications within a respected regulatory body, makes this position particularly rewarding for those seeking meaningful employment in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Communications in Wilmslow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at the ICO or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they're really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the ICO's recent communications strategies and challenges. Show us that you understand their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your examples to highlight your relevant experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing sensitive or high-profile issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communications in Wilmslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically to the Director of Communications role. Highlight your experience in leading communications strategies and managing teams, as well as any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Insight-Driven Approach:In your application, emphasise your insight-driven approach to communications. Use examples that demonstrate how you've used audience understanding and data to shape effective communication strategies in the past.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills:Since this role requires strong leadership, be sure to showcase your experience in developing high-performing teams. Share specific instances where you've built capability and confidence within your team or organisation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. Make sure to submit your CV and cover letter before the deadline, and don’t forget to highlight how you meet the essential criteria!
How to prepare for a job interview at Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the ICO's mission and recent communications initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their strategic objectives and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also genuinely invested in the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of Communications, your leadership presence is crucial. Be ready to discuss your approach to building high-performing teams and how you’ve successfully led diverse groups in the past. Share specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and develop talent.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Expect questions about handling sensitive or high-profile issues. Think of scenarios where you've had to advise senior leaders on complex communications challenges. Articulate your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions to demonstrate your strategic judgement.
✨Emphasise Digital Savvy
In today’s digital-first world, showcasing your understanding of modern communications practices is key. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve leveraged digital tools and data-driven insights to shape communications strategies. Highlight any innovative campaigns you’ve led that resulted in measurable impact.
