At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic communications team to shape impactful strategies and engage with diverse audiences.
- Company: Join the Information Commissioner’s Office, a key player in data rights and regulation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a high-profile role that influences public understanding and trust.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading communications teams and advising senior leaders on complex issues.
The predicted salary is between 91276 - 104513 € per year.
Closing date: Apply before 11:55 pm on Tuesday 2 June 2026
Ref: 463009
Salary: £91,276 – £104,513 with potential for further progression to £117,748 pa with our pay progression scheme. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
Job grade: Grade 6.
Contract type: Permanent.
Business area: ICO – Corporate Communications.
Type of role: Communications / Marketing.
Working pattern: Full-time.
Number of jobs available: 1.
Location: Contracted to our Wilmslow or London office, we will be relocating to Manchester city centre from 28 September 2026. Once the move takes place your contracted office will be Circle Square, Manchester. Through hybrid working we offer flexible home and office‑based working opportunities and there will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need.
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 and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you will set a clear, ambitious vision for communications and ensure it is embedded early in organisational decision‑making. You will lead an integrated, in‑house communications function of around 30 people, supported by two senior managers, covering media, digital, social, strategic communications and engagement. Your focus will be on impact, insight and outcomes, using communications as a core regulatory tool. This is a senior leadership role with real influence, advising the Executive Team on sensitive and high‑profile issues, shaping how the ICO explains its role and decisions, and ensuring communications strengthen understanding, trust and compliance.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. In a data‑driven world, we provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data. As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful.
Job description
- Setting and leading the ICO’s communications strategy, aligned to regulatory objectives and corporate priorities.
- Positioning communications as a strategic asset, shaping behaviour, supporting compliance and reinforcing the ICO’s authority.
- Providing senior counsel on reputational, sensitive and high‑profile issues, including crisis readiness and response.
- Leading insight‑driven, measurable communications, grounded in audience understanding, data and evaluation.
- Championing digital‑first, modern communications practice, encouraging creativity, innovation and pace with appropriate governance.
- Owning and shaping the ICO’s overarching corporate narrative, building public confidence in information rights and regulation.
- Building strong internal and external relationships, including with senior leaders, partners and media.
- Leading and developing a high‑performing, inclusive communications function, building capability and confidence at every level.
- Managing resources, budgets and agencies to ensure value for money and maximum impact.
Person specification
You will be a senior communications leader with a strong track record in high‑profile, highly scrutinised environments. You will bring credibility, judgement and presence, particularly when operating under pressure.
Essential criteria assessed at application stage
- 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 assessed during interview
- A 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.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £91,276, Information Commissioner’s Office contributes £26,442 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.
Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICO’s commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme. As part of the ICO’s commitment to our EDI objectives and creating a workplace that represents the communities and societies we serve, we guarantee an interview to candidates who declare they identify as belonging from an ethnic minority background and who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy.
If you are disabled or have an impairment and require an alternative application method, please email the HR team at recruitment@ico.org.uk.
Please submit your CV and cover letter by 23:59 Tuesday 2 June. Your cover letter should be no more than 1,000 words and should clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Director of Communications, Information Commissioner’s Office, ICO in Wilmslow employer: Rachel Miller
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a competitive salary and a generous pension scheme. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the ICO fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering staff to make a meaningful impact in the realm of information rights. Located in the vibrant city centre of Manchester from September 2026, employees will benefit from flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to lead a high-performing communications team at the forefront of regulatory change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Communications, Information Commissioner’s Office, ICO in Wilmslow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the ICO on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the ICO's recent projects and challenges. We want to demonstrate that we’re not just interested in the role but also in how we can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help us refine our answers and boost our confidence. Let’s focus on articulating our experience in high-pressure environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and remind them of our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the conversation going.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communications, Information Commissioner’s Office, ICO in Wilmslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Communications role. Highlight your experience in leading large teams and managing sensitive communications, as these are key for us at the ICO.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be a narrative that showcases your journey in communications. Use it to demonstrate how your skills align with our mission and the specific requirements of the role.
Showcase Your Insight-Driven Approach:We love data-driven insights! In your application, mention how you've used audience understanding and evaluation to shape successful communications strategies in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the ICO.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rachel Miller
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the ICO's mission and recent communications initiatives. Understand their role in data protection and how they engage with the public. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Communications, you'll need to lead a large team. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and how you've developed talent in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered an inclusive environment.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Expect questions about handling sensitive communications and crisis management. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated high-pressure situations and how you advised senior leaders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Demonstrate Digital Savvy
The ICO is looking for someone who champions modern communications practices. Be ready to discuss your experience with digital-first strategies and how you've used data-driven insights to shape communications. Highlight any innovative campaigns you've led that had measurable outcomes.
