At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic communications team to shape impactful strategies and engage with diverse audiences.
- Company: Join the ICO, a forward-thinking regulator dedicated to empowering individuals through information rights.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values curiosity, innovation, 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 - 95000 £ 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.
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.
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:
- 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.
Location: Wilmslow, London
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 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 fosters curiosity, collaboration, and respect. Located in Wilmslow, London, the ICO provides unique opportunities for professional development within a high-performing communications team, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in the realm of information rights while enjoying flexible working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Director of Communications — Digital-First, Hybrid
✨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 goals and enhance their public image. 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
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 job description. Highlight your leadership in communications and any relevant achievements that align with the ICO's goals.
Showcase Your Insight-Driven Approach:Demonstrate how you've used audience insights and data to shape communications strategies in the past. We want to see your ability to measure impact and outcomes, so include examples of how you've done this effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain complex ideas, as this reflects the communication skills we value at StudySmarter and the ICO.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. This ensures your application is received directly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Regulators' Network
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the ICO's mission and how communications play a role in achieving its objectives. Familiarise yourself with recent initiatives and challenges the organisation faces, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large teams and managing complex communications strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've developed talent and fostered an inclusive environment, as this is crucial for a senior role like this one.
✨Be Insight-Driven
Demonstrate your ability to use data and audience insights to shape communications strategies. Bring examples of how you've measured success in previous roles and how you've adapted strategies based on evaluation and feedback.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice distilling complex information into clear, accessible messages. During the interview, focus on being calm and authoritative, especially when discussing sensitive or high-profile issues. This will showcase your credibility and strategic judgement.
