Sec. 312. AREA. Under the direction of the area plan commission, the executive director shall:
(1) propose annually a plan for the operation of the planning department;
(2) administer the plan as approved by the commission;
(3) supervise the general administration of the planning department;
(4) keep the records of the planning department and be responsible for the custody and preservation of all papers and documents of the planning department;
(5) subject to the approval of the commission, appoint and remove the employees of the planning department, according to the standards and qualifications fixed by the commission and without regard to political affiliation;
(6) prepare and present to the commission an annual report; and
(7) perform such other duties as the commission may direct.