At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic communications team and shape impactful strategies for the ICO.
- Company: Join the ICO, a key player in information rights regulation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous holiday leave.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and inclusion while advancing your career.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a high-profile role that influences public understanding.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading communications teams and advising senior leaders.
The predicted salary is between 91276 - 104513 £ per year.
Salary: £91,276 - £104,513pa, with potential for further progression to £117,748pa with our pay progression scheme.
Location: Wilmslow, London/Hybrid. 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.
Why work for the ICO?
- Challenging and interesting work.
- Hybrid and flexible working options.
- 25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays.
- Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days leave per year).
- Pension (employer contribution around 28.9%).
- Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and many more.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.
Job summary
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.
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 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.
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.
Clearance Required for this role: Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
Director of Communications employer: Women in Data®
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Wilmslow and soon Manchester, with a strong commitment to employee development and well-being. With flexible hybrid working options, generous leave policies, and a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, the ICO empowers its staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the realm of information rights. Join us to lead a high-performing communications team and shape the future of data protection in a supportive and innovative culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the communications field, especially those who might have insights into the ICO. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the ICO’s recent projects and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for the communications strategy and how it aligns with the ICO’s goals. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
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 highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Director of Communications. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; focus on your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments. We want to see how you've made a difference!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your messages are easy to understand. Remember, we’re looking for excellent communication skills right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Women in Data®
✨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
As a Director of Communications, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed large teams in high-pressure environments, and be ready to discuss your approach to building an inclusive and high-performing culture.
✨Be Insight-Driven
Highlight your experience with audience insight and data-driven decision-making. Be prepared to discuss specific campaigns or strategies you've implemented that were grounded in audience understanding and evaluation, showcasing your ability to shape outcomes through effective communication.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Expect questions about handling sensitive issues and crisis management. Think of scenarios where you've provided counsel on reputational matters and how you navigated those challenges. This will show your strategic judgement and ability to maintain credibility under pressure.
