The Society of the Damned is as structured as any mortal institution, if not more so. Numerous offices, titles and responsibilities circulate amoung upper echlons of a clan's Kindred*, and these positions confer great power.
Prince
A prince does not "reign" over a clan. His role is much more like that of an overseer or magistrate than that of a monarch. He is the judge who settles disputes between the Kindred, the ultimate authority on the Traditions as they relate to his clan, and the keeper of the peace. Traditionally the eldest Vampire of a clan rules, although that is not true of every clan.
Other Kindred of importance
Primogen
The primogen are the assembled Elders of a coven within a clan. Most often, each coven has a representative primogen, but in some clans a prince refuses to allow a given coven to place a member on this council of elders. In theory, primogen represent their coven amoung the political body of of elders, but in practice the primogen is more often an 'Old Vampires' Club' and an incestuous nest of trechery and favor-cutting. Primogen - the term refers to the individual as well as the collected council - convene at the Prince's discretion.
Sheriff
Most Sheriffs are appointed by the Prince and approved by the Primogen. While the job description may vary from clan to clan, the Sheriff's prime job is to be the Prince's 'Enforcer', the Vampire who keeps order on the streets, and generally stands ready to assist with the 'muscle' aspects of ruling. Sheriffs may select Deputies, who require the Prince's approval.
Harpies
These Kindred pride themselveson being the social managers of the Coven. They traffic in gossip and social maneuvering, and status is their coin. With the right or wrong word to a Prince, they can make or break a Vampire's place in the Clan. This position is rarely appointed outright; over time, those with the skills to be Harpies tend to rise to the top. Most are unimpressed with displays bluster and demonstrate remarkable insight into Vampire Nature. Bucking a Harpie will assure one a place at the bottommost rung on the ladder of power for years to come.
Seneschal
This is one position that many Princes would like to do without, but which is occasionally necessary. One Prince described the filling of this position to be akin to choosing which knife to put at his throat. A Senschal is meant to be a chamberlain, a second in command and the advisor to the Prince. At any time he/she may be asked to step into the Prince's place if he/she leaves on buisness, is missing, or is slain. Naturally a Prince wishes to have the final authority on such an important position, and many have fought endlessly with their primogen on the subject. This is a dangerous position in more ways than one.
