In the context of the Shrine, the Divan is the “Board of Directors” or “Executive Council” of the organization, and serves as the management team for both fraternal and business activities of the local chapter (called a "Temple"). Each Shrine Temple has its own Divan, and the minimum number of Divan members is set by Imperial by-laws at seven, with each of these being elected by the membership. Therefore, all Shrine Temples have at least seven members on the Divan, but some have more.  For most temples that have more than seven members on the Divan, the additional positions are usually appointed by the Potentate.

Like most Masonic organizations, the Divan is usually a “progressive” line, which means that one new person is appointed or elected to the line each year, the other members of the Divan move “up” one position, and the top man retires from the line and becomes a Past Potentate.  In addition, two more elected officers are considered part of the Divan, namely the Recorder and Treasurer. These two officers, however, are not usually part of the “progressive” line, and may serve in the same office for more than one year (if so elected).

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Aides are also appointed by the Potentate and serve in key positions of his staff.  Their primary function is to assist the Potentate in the execution of his office.  The Chief Aide is considered the Potentate's right hand man in this endeavor and coordinates the activities of the others.