N.D. Cent. Code § 54-23.3-03

The chief administrative officer of the department is the director of the department of corrections and rehabilitation, who must be appointed by the governor. The position of director is not a classified position and the director shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The person appointed as director must hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and must have held a management position in correctional or related work for at least five years. The governor shall set the salary of the director within the limits of legislative appropriations.