§29-6-7. Director of personnel; qualifications; powers and duties.

(a) The Secretary of the Department of Administration shall appoint the director. The director shall be a person knowledgeable of the application of the merit principles in public employment as evidenced by the obtainment of a degree in business administration, personnel administration, public administration or the equivalent or adequate administrative experience. The salary for the director is set out in §6-7-2a of this code.

(b) The director shall:

(1) Consistent with the provisions of this article, administer the operations of the division, allocating the functions and activities of the division among sections as the director may establish;

(2) Maintain systems necessary to carry out the provisions of this article;

(3) Plan, evaluate, administer and implement personnel programs and policies in state government and to political subdivisions after agreement by the parties;

(4) Prescribe and provide training and consultation to appointing authorities regarding the employee selection process and employ performance evaluation procedures;

(5) Develop programs to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the public service, including, but not limited to, employee training, development, assistance and incentives, which, notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, may include monetary incentives for recruitment and retention of employees;

(6) Establish pilot programs and other projects for a maximum of one year outside of the provisions of this article, to be included in the annual report;

(7) Establish and apply, in consultation with appointing authorities, department-specific classification and compensation plans for classified employees;

(8) Establish an internship program;

(9) Assist the Governor and Secretary of the Department of Administration in general workforce planning and other personnel matters;

(10) Make an annual report to the Governor and Legislature and all other special or periodic reports as may be required;

(11) Assess costs for special or other services; and

(12) Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state government through the development of a skilled workforce by providing:

(A) Classroom and online training programs for employees and managers;

(B) Coaching services to improve the performance of employees, managers, and executives; and

(C) Consulting to foster higher competency in critical managerial functions, ensure that public funds are expended judiciously, and promote respectful and satisfying customer service.