Phil Clarke

Joined 2011
Head of Operations and Annual Giving, Alumni and Development Team

Phil has been with Keble for over a decade, starting in 2011 as a Development Assistant. Over the years, he has advanced to his current position as Head of Operations and Annual Giving, where he manages the Talbot Fund and the Telethon. Having gained experience in nearly every role within the Alumni and Development team, Phil has become the go-to person for any enquiries and is known for his calm, zen-like presence in the office.

Despite growing up in Oxford, Phil had never been into an Oxford college before his interview at Keble. However, he did have a small connection to the College—some years earlier Phil’s father, Ron, was part of the team that undertook the refurbishment of the Hall flooring. Ron often spoke about how unique and beautiful Keble was to work at and had promised to take the family to see the College. Sadly, Ron never had the chance to fulfil this promise, but after his father’s passing, Phil was able to bring his mother and young son, George, to Keble.

Over the course of nearly 14 years, Phil has witnessed countless students pass through Keble, transforming into remarkable individuals and active members of the Alumni community. Though he’s more at ease in a circle pit at a metal concert, Phil can often be found stepping out of his comfort zone—addressing large groups of students at the start of Michaelmas term, speaking to graduands on their graduation day, or welcoming alumni at events.

Without a doubt, the most memorable moment of Phil’s career at Keble was being part of the team that worked on the 150th Anniversary Campaign, which culminated in the completion of the H B Allen Centre in 2019. Even though he played “just a small part” in bringing the project to life, it remains one of the standout highlights of his time at Keble.