Welfare and Institutions Code section 10552

With the consent of the Senate, the Governor shall appoint, to serve at his pleasure, an executive officer who shall be director of the department. The director shall be appointed wholly on the basis of training, demonstrated ability, experience, and leadership in organized social welfare administration. He shall receive the salary provided for by Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 11550), Part 1, Division 3, Title 2 of the Government Code.

The Governor also may appoint, to serve at his pleasure, not to exceed two chief deputy directors of the department, and one deputy director of the department who shall be the deputy director for the social services division. The salaries of the chief deputy directors and the deputy director shall be fixed in accordance with law.