The Director of Ceremonies, the Marshal or Master of Ceremonies acts as the protocol officer and stage manager of a Masonic lodge. He ensures that all meetings, rituals, and social events run smoothly, with dignity, and in strict accordance with Masonic law and etiquette.

The Director of Ceremonies ensures that lodge ritual is conducted with precision, as an article on the Grand Lodge of India's website notes that this officer, along with the Deacons, must be briefed thoroughly because their execution can make or mar a ceremony.

Beyond the lodge room, the officer's role extends directly to the social proceedings of the brethren. An article on the Grand Lodge of India's website records that the Director of Ceremonies is responsible for maintaining dignity, decorum, and etiquette during fellowship and banquets, which includes managing seating arrangements at the dinner table.

In grand lodge governance, the role carries administrative and ceremonial oversight. The United Grand Lodge of England states that the Grand Director of Ceremonies has charge of the regalia, clothing, insignia, and jewels belonging to the Grand Lodge, alongside the direction and arrangement of all its official processions and ceremonies.