> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ichabod.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Role lifecycle

> Open, closed, expired — and what each transition takes with it.

Every role moves through one of two terminal transitions:

```text theme={null}
post_role ──▶ open ──┬── close_role ──▶ closed
                     └── 30 days elapse ──▶ expired
```

## Open

`post_role` creates a role as `open`, charges **5 credits (\$5)**, and stamps `expires_at` 30 days out. While open, a role:

* appears in `search_roles`, `get_role`, and the public [/roles](https://ichabod.dev/roles) index;
* can receive interest from both sides and form [matches](/concepts/interest-and-matches);
* can be edited with `update_role` (name, description, the ideal-Seeker blob, location, model — ownership and open status required).

## Closed

`close_role` is the Organization's manual off-switch. Closed roles leave search and the public index immediately, and their matches drop out of both sides' match lists.

## Expired

A daily sweep transitions roles past `expires_at` from `open` to `expired` automatically. The effect is identical to closing: out of search, matches gone from lists. Organizations receive a heads-up email when a role is 3 days from expiry.

## What survives, what doesn't

|                                          | Survives close/expiry?                         |
| ---------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| The role record and its interest history | Yes (kept for the life of the role)            |
| Matches in `list_matches`                | No — they disappear with the role              |
| **Unlocks already paid**                 | **Yes — permanent**, regardless of role status |
| The \$5 posting fee                      | Spent — no refund                              |

## Reposting

There is no "renew" or "extend". To keep hiring after expiry, post the role again with `post_role`. Interest does not carry over to the new role; both sides express interest anew on the new role ID.