A general secretary, also known as a first secretary or even secretary general, is the head of operations for a union, association, or church. His responsibilities differ greatly from those of a typical secretary, as he is usually in charge of conducting or attending higher-profile meetings on behalf of the organization, as well as making decisions that affect the entire organization. This job usually entails a lot of travel, and many general secretaries receive advice and perform duties from all levels of the organization.
The general secretary will frequently meet with leaders of other organizations to form strategic alliances or other mutually beneficial agreements. The general secretary of a religious organization, for example, may meet with leaders of other organizations to discuss fund raisers, new partnerships, or even mergers. Secretaries may also meet to discuss their collective groups’ business matters and how they can improve.
A general secretary is frequently in charge of overseeing and improving her association’s financial relations, as well as maintaining the organization’s positive public image. A secretary is appointed a committee or, in some cases, a union-wide vote, and thus has the authority to speak for the people. Secretaries are responsible for assisting in the decision-making process for their entire organization and its people, as well as representing their beliefs, values, and general standing to others. Beneficial events and partnerships can help the organization not only make more progress, but also improve its overall well-being and perception.
There are usually many meetings to maintain as many contacts as general secretaries typically have, as well as to make new ones. These can be lunch meetings, phone conferences, or meetings that require the secretary to travel to a different location. He must address concerns raised a council, find solutions, and make decisions based on the information he has been given so that the various organizations can collaborate. He may even be required to organize rallies or strikes on behalf of his union or group on occasion. Other times, he may simply be required to inform the council and the general public of important news or developments.
General secretaries are expected to have excellent organizational and communication skills. Many organizations may also require a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience in the relevant group or industry. A successful general secretary usually has the ability to deal with stress and travel.