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 information rights regulation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative environment that values curiosity, respect, and inclusivity.
- 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 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) exists to empower you through information. 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.
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.
Key Responsibilities- 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.
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.
- 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.
Wilmslow, London
Contract typeFull time, Permanent
ProfessionCommunications, Director
Working patternFlexible working, Hybrid
Closing Date03/06/2026
Director of Communications employer: UK Regulators' Network
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a dynamic work culture that values curiosity, collaboration, and respect. Located in Wilmslow, London, the ICO provides flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development within a high-performing communications team, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in the realm of information rights and regulation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the ICO. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your past communications projects. This is your chance to demonstrate how you’ve shaped outcomes and influenced behaviour in previous roles. Make it easy for potential employers to see your impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview like it’s the Super Bowl! Research the ICO’s recent communications strategies and think about how you can contribute. Be ready to discuss how you’d lead their team and tackle high-profile issues. Confidence and preparation are key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading communications teams and managing sensitive issues. Let’s make sure your skills shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Director of Communications role. Highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed communications in high-pressure environments.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the outcomes of your communications strategies. Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how your work has influenced understanding, behaviour, or compliance in previous positions.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see your passion for communications and how you can bring creativity and innovation to the ICO. Don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures it gets to the right people and shows you're serious about joining our team at the ICO.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Regulators' Network
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the ICO's mission and values. Understand their current communications strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large teams and managing complex communications issues. Be ready to discuss how you've developed high-performing teams and navigated high-pressure situations, as this role demands strong leadership presence.
✨Be Insight-Driven
Demonstrate your understanding of audience insight and evaluation. Bring examples of how you've used data to shape communications strategies and measure success. This will show that you can lead with an evidence-based approach, which is crucial for the ICO.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think of potential high-profile issues the ICO might face and prepare to discuss how you would advise senior leaders on these matters. This will showcase your strategic judgement and ability to handle sensitive communications effectively.
