The committee shall appoint a director, who serves at the will of the committee. The committee shall set the salary of the director within the limits of the amount appropriated for salaries by the legislative assembly. The director shall employ necessary staff, including advocates, who must be classified under the state personnel merit system. The director and other employees of the project are entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in carrying out their duties at the same rate and in the same manner as other state officials and employees. The director, with the advice and consent of the committee, may adopt rules for administration of the project, the conduct of its employees, the performance of its business, and the custody, use, and preservation of the records, documents, and property pertaining to the committee. The director shall submit to the committee bimonthly reports concerning the status of revenue, expenditures, and protection or advocacy efforts engaged in by project personnel.