Oh, and on top of that, your every choice will be scrutinized by the media.
This is pretty much the job description of the White House social secretary.
Here’s what it’s really like to take on this glamorous, yet grueling, role.
Since then, subsequent social secretaries have also been selected by the First Lady and answer directly to her.
Of course, they stayed.
A more common problem is facing the wrath of A-listers who thought they’d be invited but weren’t.
“We are the blame takers.
In reality, the planning process is a complex diplomatic operation requiring input from multiple agencies and offices.
And the White House social secretary is the point person for all these operations.
They must keep track of all the requirements identified by these agencies along with ensuring the event goes smoothly.
“Lots of caffeine,” he toldU.S.
News and World Report.
And for White House state dinners, the stakes are even higher.
The social secretary also solicits suggestions from the president and First Lady.
The social secretary was also personally responsible for sending out invitations to White House events.
But technology has also added new demands to the social secretary’s job.
Up to that time, the White House had always engaged a male clerk to manage event planning.
This has started to change, however.
He brought plenty of experience to the position.
But on the other hand, it also requires profound humility.
White House social secretaries understand that the big, glitzy events they plan and execute are not about them.
Ultimately, their job is all about making their bosses look good.
Others who’ve held the post share the sentiment.
“My main advice [to my successor] was to keep it low-key.
It’s true that the general responsibilities of the job are fairly well defined.
As a striking example, the transition between the Trump and Biden administrations was anything but smooth or gracious.
“Carlos is divine.
And does it really matter who gets to sit next to whom?
But the invitees do care.
Former White House social secretaries also form a similar (mostly female) fraternity.
