The Director of the Office of State Planning and Federal Programs is authorized to employ one person in the unclassified service; without participation in the state Merit System; provided, however, that such person shall be entitled to the same rights, privileges and benefits as provided for classified employees within the state Merit System. All employees of the state community services administration shall be placed in a classified position within the state Merit System and under state planning and federal programs. Salaries set for employees shall not exceed the salary set by law for executive department heads.