Locations: Wilmslow, Cheshire; Belfast; Cardiff; Edinburgh; London (hybrid). Contracted to Manchester office from 28 September 2026.
Time type: Full time, Fixed term up to 12 months.
End Date: 12 June 2026.
Salary: £57,815 – £65,021, with potential progression to £73,211.
Benefits include pay progression scheme, hybrid and flexible working, 25 days paid holiday plus public holidays, flexi leave, pension, health cash plan, and development opportunities.
Job Summary
The ICO’s work affects every single person in the UK. Our regulatory role impacts how healthcare can innovate, how social media firms select the content you see, and how police can use technology to reduce crime. We oversee how you can access information about how your taxes are spent, or about how a company is using your data. The communications department’s role is to tell those stories, support the office’s work in explaining the law and influencing the behaviour of organisations, help people understand their information rights, and support public trust in our responsible use of data.
Job Description
* Lead the successful delivery of the final year of our impactful social media strategy, working closely with Insight and Evaluation colleagues to ensure objectives are met and creative content continues to develop.
* Provide overall editorial responsibility for content across our digital channels, including the website, owned social media channels and evolving newsletter offer.
* Lead the digital and creative content team, ensuring high performance and motivation of the team and aligning delivery with ICO’s regulatory priorities.
* Lead and expand the ICO’s reach with segmented audiences on social media, build understanding of those audiences, and deepen engagement.
* Work with the Head of Media and News Manager to lead an integrated and collaborative Media Team.
* Drive innovation in the use of technology in communication by leading experimentation and analysis of new platforms, tactics, and engagement methods.
* Be a key member of the Communication Directorate’s Senior Management Team, deputising when necessary for the Head of Media.
* Scan and interpret the modern communications landscape to identify risks to the ICO’s reputation and service continuity, working closely with other senior managers across the Communications and Public Affairs Directorate.
* Lead the analysis of social media channel performance data and audience insight, ensuring improvements are made based on lessons learned.
* Achieve the best return on investment by managing resources, maximising existing assets, and ensuring the highest standards in all procurements.
* Work closely with colleagues in communications to develop their technological skills and promote a digital‑first culture, providing expertise on digital opportunities for media handling plans.
* Build close and highly effective working relationships across the organisation and with counterparts in other arms‑length bodies and partner organisations.
* Help develop the ICO’s external identity, including tone of voice through our social media strategy, messaging, and content.
Essential Criteria (Application Stage)
* Experienced across PR, digital, media and social media.
* Extensive experience of digital and creative content production, marketing and campaigning approaches, including knowledge of social media and online communications design, functionality, information architecture, navigation and SEO.
* Track record of developing and delivering proactive communications strategies that enhance the reputation of an organisation within an integrated national communications service.
* Proven leadership skills and ability to promote a digital‑first culture for communications, inspiring colleagues to higher levels of innovation and achievement.
* A passion for and deep knowledge of modern communication methods, digital communication and social media in particular.
* A very high standard and track record in a range of content types including writing, photography, video and working with designers.
Essential Criteria (Interview Stage)
* Track record of gaining the confidence of and influencing senior stakeholders at CEO/Secretary of State/Ministerial and Director General level and delivering high quality materials for them at pace.
* Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and learn from digital performance data, with a commitment to continual improvement through monitoring and evaluation.
* Ability to work well under pressure and manage multi‑level priorities and short deadlines.
* Sharp news sense, excellent judgement, strong political savvy and outstanding communications skills.
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, building an inclusive workplace where all colleagues can make a real difference. Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria will be invited to interview as part of the Disability Confident Scheme. All candidates who meet the minimum criteria and apply in line with our guaranteed interview scheme for disabled and ethnic minority applicants will be interviewed.
Clearance Required
* Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
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