secretário

Secretário is a Portuguese term used to refer to a person who performs secretarial duties, or to a public official who heads a government department in a jurisdiction such as a state or municipality. The feminine form is secretária. The word comes from the Latin secretarius, meaning a keeper of secrets or a confidential officer.

In a professional context, a secretary supports individuals or organizations by managing correspondence, scheduling and calendars, organizing meetings, preparing documents, maintaining records, and handling daily administrative tasks. The role can vary by country and organization, and may include duties such as reception, travel arrangements, and expense management. In many workplaces, titles like executive secretary or secretariado describe more specialized or senior administrative positions.

In public administration, the term takes on a formal meaning. In Portugal and Brazil, a secretário de Estado is a high-ranking official who heads a government department at the national or state level (the equivalents vary by country). In municipalities, the secretário municipal directs a city department. Secretários are typically appointed by the head of government or mayor and are responsible for policy development, program administration, budgeting, and representing their department publicly. The role can be complemented by positions such as secretários-gerais (general secretaries) or secretários-executivos (executive secretaries) within larger organizations.

Other uses include organizational roles such as the secretary of a meeting or board, who records minutes and maintains official records. The term is widely used across Portuguese-speaking countries and cultures, with minor regional variations in duties and titles.