Chair, Department of Neurosurgery

This is an exciting time for the Head of Neurosurgery to join a renowned department. The Head oversees a complex academic and clinical enterprise and reports directly to the Dean of the Medical School and the Vice President for Clinical Affairs. The role carries responsibility for an annual budget of about eighteen million dollars supported by both university and clinical practice revenue. The department’s leadership team includes vice chairs for Clinical Affairs, Education, Academic Affairs, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Professional Development and Compliance. Faculty report to the Chair, along with the department administrator who oversees day-to-day operations and supports the department’s administrative and financial functions.

This position is uniquely positioned for a visionary leader who can unite a department, advocate for resources, and drive strategic growth across clinical, research, and educational missions. The Head’s main charges will be expanding clinical services beyond the current footprint, optimizing operating room access, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing research partnerships with tremendous opportunities in the neurotechnology and device innovation space. The role also involves navigating intricate relationships with hospital partners and collaborating closely with neuroscience service line leadership to align clinical operations, strategy, and quality initiatives. The Head is responsible for ensuring quality residency training and supporting faculty development. With a collegial and passionate team, the department seeks a leader with academic gravitas, entrepreneurial and political savvy, and high emotional intelligence. The opportunity lies in elevating the department, building bridges within the institution and the broader community, and setting a national standard in neurosurgical innovation and impact.

Key Opportunities

• •Set a clear strategic direction for academic neurosurgery Lead a unified strategy that aligns clinical care, research, and education with institutional priorities.Define the organizational structure, leadership roles, and program alignment needed for coordinated growth. Establish clear goals and expectations that create focus and momentum across the department. Represent neurosurgery effectively within the Medical School and health system to ensure visibility and influence. Guide long-term planning around space, access, and operational capacity to support sustainable progress.
• •Integrate priorities across the department & promote cross-collaboration Align departmental priorities with the missions and operational needs of the Medical School, UMP, and the health system. Build strong partnerships across entities to improve coordination, access, and system performance. Foster close collaborations with Neurology, Otolaryngology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Anesthesiology, Orthopedic Surgery, among others. Advocate for space, resources, and investments essential for growth and stability. Ensure neurosurgery’s voice is present and impactful in system-wide planning and decision making.
• •Expand clinical programs and regional reachDirect a cohesive clinical strategy that includes services across Fairview, Hennepin Healthcare, the VA, Masonic Children’s, and community partners. Improve access and throughput across ORs, ICUs, and clinics to support growth and reduce bottlenecks. Strengthen outreach, referral pathways, and regional partnerships — including new collaboration opportunities with community hospitals and health systems — to ensure reliable patient flow and broader clinical impact. Advance key programs in spine, neuro-oncology, functional neurosurgery, and pediatrics with clear plans for growth and quality.
• •Create a cohesive, engaged faculty culture Build a clear, shared framework that aligns faculty contributions across all missions. Strengthen unity across sites by fostering a consistent sense of purpose and departmental identity. Promote open, reliable communication and decision-making that reinforce trust. Support faculty development through mentorship, growth opportunities, and meaningful recognition.
• •Strengthen research and drive innovation Foster a collaborative research culture that supports faculty development, mentorship, and growth across all career stages. Encourage interdisciplinary partnerships within the University and across the broader neuroscience and engineering community. Build relationships with Minnesota’s medical technology ecosystem to advance translational science and innovative clinical solutions. • Strengthen the department’s national profile through impactful research and visible academic leadership.
• •Advance education and support learners across the continuum Provide strategic oversight for residency training and fellowship development and possible expansion. Ensure consistent, high-quality teaching and case exposure across all clinical sites. Support program directors and faculty educators with clear expectations and development opportunities. Strengthen systems for assessment, feedback, and learner advancement to maintain strong training programs.
• •Build philanthropic and industry partnerships. Leverage a strong foundation for donor engagement and translational research support, with institutional encouragement to cultivate external partnerships. Engage Minnesota’s philanthropic and biomedical communities to support research, recruitment, and infrastructure. Cultivate relationships with medical technology companies, start-ups, and research organizations across the Twin Cities. Position neurosurgery as a national leader by integrating clinical excellence with scientific and technological advancement

Qualifications

The successful candidate must hold an MD or DO degree, be board-certified in Neurological Surgery, and be eligible for medical licensure in the state of Minnesota. They should possess a record of accomplishment that warrants appointment at the rank of Professor in the University of Minnesota Medical School. The ideal Head will demonstrate the following qualities and characteristics:

• •National or international recognition in neurological surgery, with high-impact scholarly contributions and a strong academic reputation.
• •Proven ability to develop and expand clinical programs while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and patient-centered care.
• •A successful track record securing competitive research funding through federal agencies, foundations, or industry.
• •At least ten years of progressive leadership experience in an academic medical setting with evidence of mentorship, recruitment, program design and the highest level of patient care.
• •Demonstrated success advancing departmental or institutional goals and leading multidisciplinary teams across clinical care, research, and education.
• •Strong fiscal management skills, including experience overseeing complex budgets and aligning resources with strategic priorities.
• •Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with faculty, learners, staff, patients, donors, and external partners.
• •A collaborative, relationship-driven leadership style that builds trust and alignment across departments, institutions, and health system entities.
• •Professionalism, judgment, high EQ, and organizational savvy, with the capacity to build strong relationships, advocate effectively for the department, and navigate a complex academic health system with integrity and ease.
• •A strong dedication to mentoring and developing junior faculty and trainees, supporting their career growth and academic advancement.

About the Department

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

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