Non-Profit Description
Save A Forgotten Equine (SAFE) is a horse rescue organization based in Snohomish, Washington, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and retraining horses suffering from neglect or abuse. Established in 2005, SAFE collaborates with Animal Control agencies in the King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties to protect and provide care for vulnerable horses. As the only GFAS accredited horse rescue in the state of Washington, Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards. GFAS accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects. This GFAS status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Save a Forgotten Equine as an exceptional organization. SAFE specializes in equine rehabilitation, offering professional veterinary care, nutrition, and training to help horses regain their health and prepare for long-term homes. Utilizing horsemanship practices inspired by Buck Brannaman and Joel Connor, SAFE ensures horses develop trust and confidence in their interactions with humans. SAFE remains committed to finding permanent, caring homes for their horses and conducts annual follow-up visits to ensure their safety and well-being.
Role Description
The SAFE Alumni Assistant, reporting to the SAFE Alumni Coordinator as a part of the SAFE Alumni Team, is a rewarding volunteer role dedicated to supporting the well-being of horses adopted from SAFE and maintaining positive, ongoing relationships with their adoptive owners. The Alumni Team works closely with a team of volunteers who conduct annual site visits and calls, ensuring our horses continue to thrive in their forever homes. This role offers the opportunity to get to know a wonderful community of adopters—along with their amazing horses—while helping SAFE uphold its commitment to lifelong care.
Key Responsibilities
Quarterly Coordination (Approx. 10 hours per quarter)
- Connect with Alumni Visit Volunteers two weeks prior to the start of each quarter to confirm availability.
- Assign adopted horses to volunteers for site visits and wellness checks.
- Send individual introduction emails to adopters scheduled for visits that quarter.
- Distribute visit templates and supporting materials to volunteers.
Ongoing Monthly Tasks (Approx. 5 hours per month, variable)
- Maintain regular oversight of the Alumni email inbox; respond or route messages as needed.
- Send required adoption follow-up communications, including:
- Rehoming contracts
- 3‑month and 6‑month post-adoption check-in emails
- Condolence cards when necessary
- Update Volgistics with new information and records regarding Alumni horses.
- Prepare and organize brief updates for the quarterly Alumni Newsletter.
- Forward write-ups, photos, and changes in status to a volunteer who updates the website.
- Keep the Operations Director informed of any concerns, unusual updates, or potential follow-up situations.
- Make calls or conduct site visits in sensitive or complex situations that require coordinator involvement.
Annual Tasks (Approx. 15 hours at year’s end preparing for upcoming year)
- Organize and update the list of alumni for visits and calls into quarters.
- Meet with and train new volunteers interested in visiting and calling volunteers.
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong computer skills and comfort navigating online systems.
- Attention to detail in record-keeping and communication.
- Email proficiency and professional communication style.
- Availability to check and respond to emails every 3–4 days.
- Diplomacy and interpersonal skills when working with adopters and volunteers.
- Horse knowledge, with the ability to read reports or emails and determine whether additional follow-up or escalation to the Operations Director is needed.
Time Commitment
- Approximately 10 hours per quarter for scheduling and volunteer coordination.
- Approximately 5 hours per month for ongoing communications, record-keeping, and follow-up tasks.
- Occasional additional time for sensitive calls or site visits as needed.
- Approximately 15 hours per annually preparing for the upcoming year and meeting new Alumni Visit Volunteers.
Why This Role Matters
SAFE is committed to every horse long after adoption. As the Alumni Assistant, you play a vital part in ensuring our horses remain safe, healthy, and supported throughout their lives. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys connecting with people, loves equine welfare, and values being part of a dedicated, compassionate team.
