Stewart Johnson
Stockport,Manchester
Summary
Strategic communications and mission leader with extensive international experience in organisational leadership, operations oversight and stakeholder engagement. Experienced in translating vision into executable strategy, leading cross-functional and cross-cultural teams ensuring effective day-to-day delivery. Having a strong track record of strengthening organisational reputation whilst driving operational performance, governance and sustainable growth. Resourceful and results-driven, with business and team building awareness, relational leadership and organisational discipline suited to a general or operational manager role. A thirty year career in diverse situations underpinned by a heart for the Poor and Needy. A clear sense of the privilege it is to serve the last, the lost and the least in any and every context.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work history
Public Relations coordinator
SIL Global
Remote from Manchester
2024.04 - 2026.02
- Working within the global marketing and communications team - building and promoting the brand and reputation of SIL and seeking clear and honest stakeholder engagement. Coordinated special events improving and maximising wider engagement.
Executive Director
Wycliffe France, Valence
Valence, Drome, France
2021.07 - 2024.03
- Privileged to restart Wycliffe France along clear “Mission of God” guidelines. Identifying areas of focus and engagement for French churches through enhanced brand visibility and clear calls to action.
Leadership enrichment consultant
Wycliffe Europe, HQ in Germany
Remote from High Wycombe , Germany
2019.10 - 2021.06
- Working alongside 19 Wycliffe organisations - both directors and national boards to serve their needs and support understanding of God’s call on their organisation and the churches in their countries. Joint identification of areas of improvement in corporate structure and enhanced overall efficiency.
Church Engagement Director
Wycliffe UK, HQ in High Wycombe
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
2011.09 - 2019.09
- Given a mandate to rebuild a nationwide church engagement team to appropriately target and connect with all churches in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Bringing online a robust and decentralised student team to challenge the next generation into mission.
Communications Director
SIL Francophone Africa
Nairobi, Kenya, Africa
2008.07 - 2011.08
Worked with 20 local organisations across French speaking Africa to streamline communication processes for increased operational efficiency through connection with key audiences.
Bible translator, Language Programmes Coordinator and Executive Director
SIL Eastern Congo Group
Remotely from Nairobi Kenya and Northern Uganda, Congo
1998.09 - 2008.06
- Working alongside 12 language teams in the DRC to see New Testament Bible Translation happen alongside localisation and training of teams including programme planning and literacy.
Education
Master of Arts - Translation Principles
Africa Inland University
Nairobi, Kenya 09/1994 - 07/1996
Skills
- Operational leadership & multi-site coordination
Proven experience overseeing operations across multiple teams and remote locations - services delivered in a timely manner - Volunteer & staff management
Experienced in recruiting, coordinating and managing staff and volunteers Crafted joint rota planning, 360 performance oversight in a nurturing, positive team context - Logistics & resource oversight
Skilled in managing limited resources including budgetary oversight, partner liaison, resource management and timely responses to shortages or changes - Compliance, safeguarding & health & safety
A working understanding of safeguarding, governance and up-to-date policies, risk assessments and compliance documentation using IT tools and CRM models - Partnership & stakeholder relationship management
Confident management of external relationships with partner organisations, local agencies, corporate contacts and trustees through approaches underpinned by clarity, collaboration and accountability
- Administrative systems & IT confidence
Competent IT user with experience managing databases, coordinated communications particularly in the social media domain, curating shared systems and ensuring accurate tracking or reporting - Financial oversight & budget awareness
Experienced in handling tight operational budgets - monitoring expenses, improving processes and communicating effectively with finance teams - Problem solving & escalation handling
Able to act as the "go to" person for operational issues and complaints, responding calmly but decisively to ensure resolution aligned with proven organisational policy - Adaptable hands-on delivery
Willing and able to step into operational roles when required, providing practical support during staff absence, peak activity or periods of transition - Values-based & mission-aligned leadership
Committed to Christian values modelling service delivery, team culture and external engagement that reflect Christian compassion, client dignity and organisational integrity
Gallup StrengthFinder results
1. Responsibility 2. Relator 3. Communication 4. Developer 5. Arranger
Timeline
Public Relations coordinator
SIL Global
2024.04 - 2026.02
Executive Director
Wycliffe France, Valence
2021.07 - 2024.03
Leadership enrichment consultant
Wycliffe Europe, HQ in Germany
2019.10 - 2021.06
Church Engagement Director
Wycliffe UK, HQ in High Wycombe
2011.09 - 2019.09
Communications Director
SIL Francophone Africa
2008.07 - 2011.08
Bible translator, Language Programmes Coordinator and Executive Director
SIL Eastern Congo Group
1998.09 - 2008.06
Master of Arts - Translation Principles
Africa Inland University
09/1994 - 07/1996