The Community Corrections Division is created in the Department of Corrections. The division shall be responsible for implementing and administering this article and any provisions of law relating to the operation and management of a community-based sentencing program. The division shall employ an executive management staff consisting of a director and such other necessary employees for which funds are available. The director of the division and staff shall be Merit System employees of the state and the director shall report directly to the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections.