The joint legislative services committee shall appoint, subject to the approval of the speakers of the senate and the house of representatives, a director of legislative administration. The director shall be a graduate of an accredited college or university or shall have such training or practical experience in finance, public administration, or accounting as may be deemed necessary to perform the duties of the office. The director and other personnel shall be chosen without reference to party affiliation but solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the committee. The committee shall determine the compensation of the director, while the compensation of other personnel shall be determined by the committee upon recommendation of the director. Personnel shall be employed on recommendation of the director with the approval of the speakers.