The chief of protocol holds the rank of ambassador and assistant secretary of state.

[1][2] The chief arranges itineraries for foreign dignitaries visiting the U.S. and accompanies the president on all official international travel.

Additionally, the office is responsible for accrediting foreign diplomats and publishing the list of foreign consular offices in the U.S., organizing ceremonies for treaty signings, conducting ambassadorial swearing-in and state arrival ceremonies, and maintaining Blair House, the official guest house for state visitors.

The chief of protocol duties include being present at the annual State of the Union speech (SOTU) given by the president each January before Congress.

The office identifies six divisions on its website, led by assistant chiefs, who oversee the following principal duties:[3]