What's the job of a secretary in an organization?

In student organizations, what does a secretary typically do? Is it mainly taking meeting notes, or are there other duties I should be aware of? I'm considering running for a secretary position.

In many student organizations, the role of a secretary can be diverse and involved. Yes, you correctly mentioned that a significant function of a secretary is to take notes during meetings, often referred to as "minutes."

However, beyond this duty, secretaries often serve as the main channel of communication within an organization, which involves preparing emails, general correspondence, and sometimes even managing social media handles. This role may require you to disseminate important information to the rest of your members or announce upcoming events or deadlines.

As a secretary, you may also be responsible for managing records and important documents for the club. This involves keeping files orderly and up-to-date, such as updating the list of members, recording attendance, and tracking any changes in the club constitution if it applies.

You may also help in planning and coordinating events, especially if there's a need for logistical details to be recorded and organized.

In addition, secretaries can have a hand in supporting the president or other club officers in their duties, serving as a sounding board for ideas or stepping in to help with miscellaneous tasks that arise.

Just keep in mind that the role can vary a lot depending on your organization's size and structure, so it's a good idea to talk with the current secretary or other club officers to get a clear understanding of what the role will look like for your specific organization.