ex officio

/ˌˈɛks əˌˈfɪʃioʊ/

Use ex officio to describe a position someone automatically gains because of another job or position she already holds. For example, the United States Vice President is the ex officio President of the Senate.

Ex officio is a Latin phrase that can be used as an adjective or an adverb. Its literal meaning is "out of duty," from officium, "duty," and ex, "out of," and it's been used since ancient Roman times, often to describe someone who holds a membership on a board or committee by virtue of being an elected official or holding some office or position.

Definitions of ex officio

1. adjective

   by virtue of an office or position
   “the head of the department serves as an ex officio member of the board”

   synonyms:

   official

   having official authority or sanction
2. adverb

   by virtue of position
   “the president sat on the committee ex officio”

   synonyms: by right of office