David Connell
About David Connell
David Connell serves as the Senior Director of Digital Communications at the Urban Institute, where he has led significant website redevelopment projects since 2013. His previous roles include positions at NAIFA, the American Society of Landscape Architects, Ocean Conservancy, and The Nature Conservancy, contributing to his expertise in digital communications and marketing.
Work at Urban Institute
David Connell has served as the Senior Director of Digital Communications at the Urban Institute since 2013. In this role, he has led significant digital initiatives, including the complete redevelopment of the Urban Institute's website in 2013. This project involved a comprehensive overhaul of the site’s taxonomy, organizational rebranding, and the implementation of a new content management system. Connell's leadership has positioned his team as a valuable resource for Urban Institute researchers and funders, contributing to increased traffic and engagement across the organization.
Previous Experience in Digital Communications
Before joining the Urban Institute, David Connell held various roles in digital communications. He worked as an Editor at NAIFA from 2001 to 2004, followed by a position as Web Editor at the American Society of Landscape Architects from 2004 to 2006. He then served as Associate Director of Strategic Communications at The Nature Conservancy from 2007 to 2011. Prior to his current role, he was the Director of Digital Marketing at Ocean Conservancy from 2011 to 2013. Each of these positions contributed to his expertise in digital strategy and communications.
Education and Expertise
David Connell holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Dickinson College, which he completed from 1994 to 1998. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from American University, studying from 2001 to 2003. His academic background in English and creative writing has informed his approach to digital communications and content strategy throughout his career.
Website Development Projects
Connell has played a key role in several website development projects at the Urban Institute. He worked with a core team to redesign and redevelop the Tax Policy Center website, focusing on enhancing the user experience, design, and technical infrastructure. Additionally, he successfully launched multiple websites for Urban Institute initiatives, including the Pay for Success portal, Evidence-Based Policymaking Collaborative, the US Partnership on Mobility from Poverty, and Understanding College Affordability.