London or Wilmslow, Cheshire

Starting salary:  Likely to be in range £78239 to £100930 depending on experience

As an independent body serving the public, the Information Commissioner’s Office’s (ICO) work is interesting and immensely rewarding.  We uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals. In the last year we have been involved with important issues ranging from intrusive technology to the privacy implications of the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our work has never been so important or high profile.

Our Corporate Communications department plays a critical part in our success.

We do this by developing strategies, plans and activities to support the ICO’s ambitions and objectives.

Due to continued development we are now looking for a Director to lead our flexible, responsive and well networked team.

About the role 

The Director of Corporate Communications will work closely with the ICO’s Executive Team and the Information Commissioner, and be responsible for important activities such as:

• Leading the delivery of the ICO’s corporate communication strategy
• Representing the ICO as a regular senior media spokesperson
• Leading and inspiring teams across multiple disciplines as a visible and credible leader, taking responsibility across media relations and communications planning and engagement.
• Providing direct strategic communications advice and support to the ICO’s Executive Team.
• Managing strategic relationships, both within and external to the ICO.
• Supporting, and where necessary deputising for, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, maintaining a strong insight and understanding of the work of other directorates.

As a member of the ICO’s Senior Leadership Team the role will also be expected to make a significant contribution to the development and delivery of the ICO’s strategic plans, policies and initiatives.

About you

This is a critically important role and we need an experienced and inspirational communications leader. It is essential that you have particularly strong experience of media relations, and demonstrate strong relationships with national media stakeholders.

You will demonstrate a track record of providing effective strategic advice whilst initiating and influencing strategic change to deliver world class services.

You will be able to use your initiative whilst being innovative in seeking opportunities for the ICO and are capable of working effectively and flexibly under pressure.

Ideally, you will also have some knowledge of the regulatory environment and the public sector generally, including the democratic, political and organisational framework we work in.

How to apply

Please upload a copy of your CV along with a covering letter which explains both why you are attracted to this post and why you are the right person for us. Please limit your covering letter to no more than two pages. For further information and to apply please visit:

hays.co.uk/jobs/ico

For a confidential discussion contact:

Andrew Timlin on 03330105207 or Kelly Ridley on 03330105213

The closing date for applications is 9am, Monday 1st March 2021.

The ICO is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and we welcome applications from all members of the community. We would particularly like to encourage applications from women and from people who are from a BAME background, who are currently under-represented at a senior level within our organisation.