2-15-217. Office of state director of Indian affairs. (1) There is an office of state director of Indian affairs. The office is allocated to the governor's office for administrative purposes only as prescribed in 2-15-121.

(2) The state director must be appointed by the governor from a list of five qualified Indian applicants agreed upon by the tribal councils of the respective Indian tribes of the state. The state director shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (4), the qualifications for applicants must include but are not limited to:

(a) a bachelor's degree in a relevant public policy field, as determined by the governor;

(b) not less than 3 years experience in a professional administrative capacity; and

(c) demonstrated skills in conducting policy research and obtaining grant funds from federal, state, or private sector sources.

(4) The governor may appoint an applicant agreed upon by the tribal councils as provided in subsection (2) whose skills and experience are commensurate with the qualifications set forth in subsection (3).