A secretary, administrative assistant, executive assistant, program assistant, project assistant, personal assistant, program support specialist, or other similarly titled person is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, program evaluation, communication, business management, public administration, and/or organizational skills within the area of administration. There is a diverse array of work experiences attainable within the administrative support field, in multiple sectors such as the private sector, public sector, and voluntary sector, ranging between internship, entry-level, associate, junior, mid-senior, and senior level pay bands with positions in nearly every industry, especially among white-collar careers.

हिन्दू राजाओं के इसी कार्यालय प्रधान को सचिव कहा जाता था। मराठा साम्राज्य के दफ़तरों को सचिव कहते थे।