David is the founding Director of the Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Office, a role that works in partnership with the City of Melbourne and Creative Victoria in elevating Melbourne's status as a UNESCO City of Literature, through a combination of international relations and local capacity building initiatives. Melbourne has been a UNESCO Creative City since 2008 and was the 2nd in the world.

David is an experienced leader in the not-for-profit sector specialising in strategic development and leadership of innovative organisations. Previous work includes Program Manager - Early Career Artists (Australia Council), Executive Director (NSW Writers Centre), Director (Emerging Writers Festival), Artistic Director (Mainstreet Theatre Company) and Associate Director (Barking Gecko Children’s Theatre Company)