Rebecca Gallagher Email & Phone Number

Washington, Dc, Us

Arlington, Virginia, Us

For nearly 15 years, 2U, Inc. has connected lifelong learners with offerings from some of the best universities and corporations around the world. By coming together around one shared goal — delivering great student outcomes — we are unlocking potential and addressing society's critical needs.I lead a team of communications professionals dedicated to informing and engaging the 2,800+ global employees and potential employees through strategic communications, employee storytelling, corporate social responsibility programs, and employee events. We not only build the narrative that connects employees to strategy, but challenge each other to do it in innovative and thoughtful ways. 2U is fast-paced and high-change, requiring clear and consistent internal communications strategy. I have led the communications strategy for three acquisitions (announcement, deal close, and integration), numerous restructures and organizational realignments, and a variety of technology changes (including development and launch of a new intranet).Understanding that culture is not static, I have conducted ongoing qualitative and quantitative research to evaluate the impact of multiple acquisitions, the pandemic, social unrest, and changing work preferences on the employee experience. Due to my passion and expertise, I assumed leadership of our employer brand and employee event strategy in 2022.As a leader (and the strategic advisor to c-suite executives), I believe it is important to cherish each opportunity. We must celebrate every win with our teams, no matter how small, so we can continue to build toward our larger goals.2U has a high-energy work environment that’s both challenging and fun. To learn more about what we do and why we're all in on purpose, watch the video below. Then, check out our careers page for your next move. We’re working to eliminate the back row in higher education, you should too. Join us.

Arlington, Virginia, Us

I joined 2U with a mandate to build the strategic internal communications capabilities needed to support the organization's accelerated growth, rapid change, and strategic evolution. Within my first two years, I grew the team from three to seven team members, enhanced the communications technology stack, and improved leadership communications effectiveness.As a result, we were well-equipped to pivot to 100% remote work and support our global employees throughout a global pandemic.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

In 2014, I asked to pilot a new structure that provided strategic communications leadership to two markets – the Southern California and Pacific Sierra Regions (1,360 restaurants owned and operated by nearly 200 franchisee organizations). After 15 months in that role, I transitioned to focus solely on Southern California to support an aggressive strategic planning process and plan execution.Strategic Internal CommunicationsIt's my job to know enough about every aspect of the business that I can guide leaders in strategic business planning and how to communicate through times of change. In this role, company and franchisee leadership needed a thought partner to help facilitate a turnaround. I designed and implemented a strategic communications plan that resulted in a 6% improvement in franchisee perceptions of leadership communication and 95% confidence rate in business plan for unit. I also directed a change communications effort to keep regional staff engaged throughout multiyear corporate reorganization.Building Brand ReputationI am passionate about building brand ambassadorship to tell the positive stories about the company that most people don't know. In this role, I led team with franchisees, agencies (advertising, PR and public affairs), and other departments (government relations, human resources, marketing) to develop and execute a campaign designed to improve company reputation, increasing positive earned media coverage and improving consumer brand metrics. Our employer brand campaign increased internal employee engagement, reduced turnover, generated 100,000,000 media impressions and achieved a social media engagement rate of 4.6%.Protecting a Brand in CrisisIn addition to proactive storytelling, I oversaw reactive media relations as well as internal communications needs in response to incidents at restaurants within the region. I also collaborated with government relations to develop a response to legislation impacting the business.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

I transferred to McDonald's Pacific Sierra Region to help new leadership change the culture and turn around a struggling business unit. Through this unified effort, the region established itself as a system leader and has ranked in the top five among U.S. business units every year since 2011.During my first 90 days, I led our communications strategy to influence San Francisco legislation limiting toys in kids meals. From there, I built the company's first of many cross-functional teams focused on building brand trust through education, ambassadorship and strategic corporate social responsibility programs. A key highlight was the creation of a guide that could help any McDonald's restaurant in the U.S. divert up to 75% of restaurant waste from the landfill, a project that was recognized in McDonald's 2014 Global Best of Green publication and by Alameda County's StopWaste.At the same time, I served as strategic advisor and chief of staff to the regional officers and franchisee leaders. I led the annual strategic planning process, developed comprehensive message platforms and calendars to build alignment across all stakeholders, and guided leaders through change management communications. My work in the Pacific Sierra Region was recognized with the 2013 President's Award, which recognizes the top 1% of global employees below the director band.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

My passion for reputation management and internal communications started here. I was driven by the desire to uncover the untold story, to develop brand ambassadors and transform public opinion about a leading global restaurant company. I led local public relations throughout the 700+ restaurant region, built relationships with key influencers and developed one of the first transparency programs to bring customers and media behind the counter and into supplier facilities. But my legacy was building the business case for a dedicated internal communications function in each of our field offices. As strategic advisor to company and franchisee leadership, I was a significant contributor to double digit sales and transaction growth.

Washington, Dc, Us

Supported mission of not-for-profit organization by producing and funding programs designed to increase tourism to the District of Columbia. Key activities included: TASTE OF DC, National Cherry Blossom Festival, and Pageant of Peace (Lighting of the National Christmas Tree) in addition to cultural tourism marketing programs.

Salt Lake City, Ut, Us

Developed and produced a wide range of promotional activities, programs, and events to engage audiences while increasing sales from both traditional and new sectors. Wrote promotional copy for national, regional, and local clients used in on-air and online sales promotions.

Supervised expansion of kozmo.com within the District of Columbia, managed local rollout of Starbucks co-branding partnership, and developed strategic relationships with dozens of vendors and affiliate partners. Served as corporate spokesperson with local media and managed local public relations and promotional agencies.

Contributed to radio station revenue by creating added value and non-spot promotions for national advertisers. Produced limited edition CD featuring exclusive live tracks for sale in Starbucks retail locations.

Assistant to President of start-up broadcasting company, supporting the purchase and management of 10 radio stations in four markets.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Journalism And Spanish

Latin American Studies