From 2009 to 2017, Elizondo served as a special assistant to President Barack Obama and as Social Secretary to Vice President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden.[3][4] In this role, he planned and managed all events which were hosted by Biden and his family, including visits by world leaders, members of Congress, and other high-profile visitors. Outside of government, Elizondo worked as the director of events at Georgetown University and the manager of activities and protocol at Walt Disney World.[2][4]
On November 20, 2020, after winning the presidential election, Biden named Elizondo to be his White House social secretary.[5] He is the first Hispanic individual and second openly gay person to hold the position.[6]