Rick Farrell

Role Purpose

To lead, plan, and deliver Halifax Panthers’ media, digital content, communications, and marketing activity across all platforms. The role ensured high-quality content creation, strong supporter and stakeholder engagement, and a consistent, professional public image for the Club. It was central to matchday media operations, brand promotion, and the effective coordination of media activity across departments, volunteers, external partners, and the Rugby Football League.

Key Responsibilities

Media Production & Digital Content

• Plan, compose, design, film, edit and publish content across the club website, social media feeds, YouTube, and email channels.
• Create and deliver promotional videos, interviews, match previews, highlight packages, graphics and GIFs that showcase the club’s brand and engage supporters.
• Maintain, organise, and archive digital media assets including photos, matchday footage, historical videos and long-form content.
• Tailor content appropriately for each platform and audience, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and brand consistency.
• Lead the compilation, design and delivery of the Digital Den digital matchday programme for all Halifax Panthers home fixtures.
• Edit and enhance photography and visual assets for club use.
• Track digital and social analytics to support data-driven improvement of campaigns.

Matchday Media Operations

• Set up and manage media equipment, recording systems and matchday commentary capture.
• Provide live social media coverage including updates, graphics, scores and match events.
• Conduct, film and edit pre-match and post-match interviews with coaching staff and players.
• Manage post-match media room operations and facilitate partner, broadcaster and journalist requirements.
• Liaise with the RFL and external media outlets regarding game day access, accreditation and compliance.
• Coordinate with other clubs’ media departments to secure access at home and away fixtures.

Website, Communications & Campaigns

• Update the club website with news articles, features, press releases and relevant announcements.
• Compose and distribute targeted email campaigns in coordination with the commercial team.
• Support activation of commercial partnerships through planned and reactive media content.
• Promote RFL press releases and league-wide messages through club channels.
• Ensure all written and verbal communications reflect a professional tone and standard.

Brand, Design & Marketing Support

• Design, produce and update digital and print materials including matchday ground boards, event signage and marketing collateral.
• Support the development and delivery of competitions, campaigns and supporter engagement initiatives.
• Ensure all brand application aligns with the club’s identity, values and strategic objectives.

Collaboration & Internal Coordination

• Work closely with the commercial team, operations, performance staff and Halifax Panthers Foundation to ensure alignment of messaging and activity.
• Liaise with the community team to promote Foundation programmes, projects and wider community activity.
• Support matchday experience planning by contributing creative ideas and media concepts.
• Provide consistent leadership, coordination and support to the volunteer media team.
• Attend internal meetings, RFL briefings and external media engagements as required.

Strategic Media Development

• Create and deliver the planning and execution of the club’s media and marketing strategy.
• Help evolve the creative direction of the club by exploring new ideas, formats and approaches beyond familiar or repeated methods.
• Ensure structured planning, quality control and time management to maintain high standards and avoid rushed output.
• Support delivery of the Club’s overall commercial, performance, and supporter experience objectives through strong, innovative media activity.

Operational Support

• Assist departments with media requirements linked to fixtures, events, community outreach and commercial activations.
• Manage weekly work planning to ensure visibility, presence and coordinated delivery across the organisation.
• Provide media support for key club events including Kit Launch, Starman Awards, Business Club events and community activations.
• Expected to support wider club operations by carrying out other reasonable duties aligned to experience and capability.

Engagement & Communication

• Represent the club professionally during interviews, events, matchdays and external engagements.
• Maintain strong working relationships with sponsors, media partners, journalists and other clubs.
• Ensure timely follow-up, documentation and record keeping for key media activities.

Core Competencies

• Creative, high-quality content production across multiple platforms
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Clear, accurate and professional communication (written and verbal)
• Ability to lead, support and delegate effectively to volunteers
• High attention to detail and quality control
• Strong collaboration with internal departments and external stakeholders
• Reliability, professionalism and alignment with the Club’s values

Key Responsibilities

• De-alarming and opening the premises for external use by sports clubs.
• Erecting and dismantling of sports equipment according to booking requirements.
• Responsibility for upkeep and general cleanliness of the site.
• Ensured safety of patrons by vigilantly monitoring area.
• Cash handling and cashing up at the end of a shift.
• Face-to-face interaction with customers and dealing with queries.
• Worked closely with other team members, fostering better coordination and support during busy periods or events.
• Provided excellent customer service for increased client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Introduced performers and acts with enthusiasm and flair, adding to the spectacle's excitement.
• Facilitated dialogue amongst panellists, ensuring cohesive discourse during panel discussions.
• Managed unexpected situations professionally, maintaining overall event integrity.
• Set the tone for grand openings by delivering engaging speeches, capturing audience attention immediately.
• Improvised speech content when required demonstrating flexibility and quick-thinking abilities.
• Maintained composure under pressure during challenging circumstances, ensuring uninterrupted progress of functions.
• Promoted sponsors' products or services subtly during announcements contributing towards their brand visibility.
• Delivered engaging introductions for guest speakers, enhancing audience engagement.
• Created a lively atmosphere by injecting wit and humour into the proceedings.
• Obtained client feedback to determine improvements for future events.

• Proactively approaching potential clients via telephone with a view to generating new business.
• Identified potential new markets through detailed industry analysis.
• Utilised data analytics tools to monitor campaign performance; provided actionable insights.
• Built robust sales pipelines through effective lead generation techniques.
• Negotiated favourable deals with media outlets, securing optimal ad placements.
• Established strong relationships with clients, enhancing customer loyalty.