The Mayor, with the approval of the Council, may appoint and remove a Chief Administrative Assistant to perform such administrative duties as may be designated by the Mayor from time to time. The compensation for such Chief Administrative Assistant shall at no time be less than the highest compensation paid to any department head, exclusive of the City Attorney. The Chief Administrative Assistant need not be a resident at the time of appointment. The Chief Administrative Assistant shall be chosen solely on the basis of qualification as an administrator, with particular emphasis on educational background, training, and experience as a professional municipal administrator.