The attorney general may appoint, and at the attorney general’s pleasure dismiss, a special assistant to the attorney general who shall generally assist the attorney general, as the attorney general may require, in the initiation, direction, or monitoring of administrative or managerial special projects that the attorney general has determined to be necessary. In addition, the special assistant shall, as the attorney general may direct, serve as the attorney general’s representative to, and monitor and apprise the attorney general of the activities of, the various national, regional, state, and local organizations and committees in which the attorney general has membership, participation, or interest. The special assistant to the attorney general shall be appointed without regard to chapter 76, need not be an attorney, and shall hold no other public or private office or employment. Section 26-53 shall not be applicable to the special assistant to the attorney general. The attorney general may also appoint, without regard to chapter 76, one secretary for the special assistant to the attorney general.