At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic communications team, shaping impactful strategies and engaging with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join the Information Commissioner’s Office, a leader in information rights regulation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values curiosity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a high-profile role that influences public understanding and trust.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior communications roles, with strong leadership and strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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.
Contract type: Full time, Permanent
Profession: Communications, Director
Working pattern: Flexible working, Hybrid
Closing Date: 03/06/2026
Strategic Director of Communications — Digital-First, Hybrid in London employer: UK Regulators' Network
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and respect. Located in Wilmslow, London, the ICO offers flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment where you can lead a high-performing communications team, influence key organisational decisions, and make a meaningful impact on information rights. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on innovative, digital-first practices, the ICO empowers its staff to thrive in their careers while contributing to vital regulatory objectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Director of Communications — Digital-First, Hybrid in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the ICO. Attend events, join online forums, 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
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website that highlights your past work and achievements in communications. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can lead a high-performing team and drive impactful strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the ICO’s current communications strategies and challenges. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision and enhance their reputation. Tailor your responses to show you understand their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the ICO team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Director of Communications — Digital-First, Hybrid in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Side:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading communications strategies. We want to see how you've shaped outcomes and influenced behaviour in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments.
Be Insight-Driven:Demonstrate your understanding of audience insights and evaluation methods. We love data-driven approaches, so share examples of how you've used insights to inform your communications strategies and measure their impact.
Keep It Clear and Concise:Your application should be easy to read and straight to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on distilling complex ideas into accessible messages that showcase your communication skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the ICO.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Regulators' Network
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Information Commissioner’s Office and its current communications strategy. Understand their key priorities and challenges, so you can tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading large teams, especially in high-pressure environments. Share specific examples of how you've developed talent and fostered an inclusive culture, as this is crucial for a role that involves managing a diverse communications function.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would position communications as a strategic asset within the ICO. Be ready to discuss your insights on using data-driven approaches to shape outcomes and influence behaviour, as well as how you’ve successfully implemented similar strategies in the past.
✨Prepare for High-Profile Scenarios
Given the nature of the role, anticipate questions around crisis management and sensitive communications. Prepare examples of how you've navigated complex issues and provided counsel to senior leaders, highlighting your credibility and calmness under pressure.
