The director may designate one of the clerks of the department of commerce and insurance as chief clerk, who shall possess the qualifications of the director, and shall, subject to the director and his deputy, have charge of the clerical and detail work of the department, and the employees thereof. In the absence or inability of both the director and deputy or in case of a vacancy in both of said offices, the chief clerk shall have and exercise the powers of the director. Chief clerk shall serve during the pleasure of the director, and shall perform such other duties as the director may direct.