A secretary, increasingly called an administrative assistant or administrative professional in the United States, is a person who provides office and administrative support to a business or organization. They often deal with correspondence, scheduling, record-keeping, and general office administration.

In modern workplaces, the role often includes more responsibility than in the past. Secretaries may assist with project management, business administration, document preparation, and other operational tasks. Some positions require specialized knowledge, a university degree, or formal training, especially in larger organizations.

Titles vary depending on duties and seniority. An executive assistant works directly with a senior executive. A personal assistant may help with both professional and personal matters. In some organizations, the most senior administrative staff member may be called an office manager or chief of staff.