University of Minnesota
Head, Department of Neurosurgery
University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199
Position Overview
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 and 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 collaborations with Neurology, Otolaryngology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Anesthesiology, Orthopedic Surgery, among others; advocate for space, resources, and investments essential for growth Ensure neurosurgery's voice is present and impactful in system-wide planning and decision making Expand clinical programs and regional reach Direct a cohesive clinical strategy across Fairview, Hennepin Healthcare, the VA, Masonic Children’s, and community partners Improve access and throughput across ORs, ICUs, and clinics to support growth Strengthen outreach, referral pathways, and regional partnerships to ensure reliable patient flow and broader impact Advance programs in spine, neuro-oncology, functional neurosurgery, and pediatrics with growth and quality plans Create a cohesive, engaged faculty culture Build a clear framework aligning faculty contributions across all missions Strengthen unity across sites with a consistent department identity Promote open communication and decision-making that reinforce trust Support faculty development through mentorship and recognition Strengthen research and drive innovation Foster collaborative research, mentorship, and growth across career stages Encourage interdisciplinary partnerships within the University and broader neuroscience and engineering community Build relationships with Minnesota\'s medical technology ecosystem to advance translational science and clinical solutions Strengthen the department\'s national profile through impactful research and leadership Advance education and support learners across the continuum Provide oversight for residency training and fellowship development Ensure high-quality teaching and case exposure across sites Support program directors and educators with clear expectations and development opportunities Strengthen assessment, feedback, and learner advancement systems Build philanthropic and industry partnerships Engage donors and translational research support Cultivate relationships with medical technology companies and research organizations 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 Minnesota. The candidate should have a record of accomplishment warranting appointment at the rank of Professor in the University of Minnesota Medical School. The ideal Head will demonstrate the following qualities: National or international recognition in neurological surgery with high-impact scholarly contributions Proven ability to develop and expand clinical programs while maintaining high standards of care Track record securing competitive research funding At least ten years of progressive leadership in an academic medical setting with mentorship and program design Success advancing departmental or institutional goals with multidisciplinary leadership Strong fiscal management and resource alignment Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills Collaborative leadership style that builds trust across departments and health system entities Professionalism, judgment, high EQ, and organizational savvy Commitment to mentoring junior faculty and trainees 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. The regional campus in Duluth partners with CentraCare to improve rural healthcare access, and the campus in St. Cloud offers broad patient experiences. Founded in 1888, the Medical School has three campuses. The Department of Neurosurgery has a long history of innovation and clinical leadership, collaborating across multiple specialties and research partners. Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $833,333 - $1,000,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience. This role is dually employed by the University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Physicians. Academic and clinical salary details are provided, with total compensation expected to range from $833,333 to $1,000,000, plus potential annual bonus up to 20%. Time Appointment: 100% appointment. Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff. For benefits, the University offers a comprehensive package including wide-ranging options described on the HR site. How To Apply
Candidates must apply in two places to be fully considered: University of Minnesota Careers Portal (online application with cover letter and CV) and Isaacson, Miller Executive Search (CVs with cover letters). Applications submitted to only one platform will not be considered complete. Screening will begin immediately and continue until the search is closed. This position remains open until filled. For accommodations, email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity and Equal Opportunity
The University recognizes diversity and inclusion and is committed to equal access and opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, or other protected statuses. Learn more at the University diversity portal. Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Applicants must be eligible to work here; criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists. About the University
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, is a large public research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It emphasizes partnerships with health centers and other organizations and has a history of recognition for workplace excellence.
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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 and 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 collaborations with Neurology, Otolaryngology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Anesthesiology, Orthopedic Surgery, among others; advocate for space, resources, and investments essential for growth Ensure neurosurgery's voice is present and impactful in system-wide planning and decision making Expand clinical programs and regional reach Direct a cohesive clinical strategy across Fairview, Hennepin Healthcare, the VA, Masonic Children’s, and community partners Improve access and throughput across ORs, ICUs, and clinics to support growth Strengthen outreach, referral pathways, and regional partnerships to ensure reliable patient flow and broader impact Advance programs in spine, neuro-oncology, functional neurosurgery, and pediatrics with growth and quality plans Create a cohesive, engaged faculty culture Build a clear framework aligning faculty contributions across all missions Strengthen unity across sites with a consistent department identity Promote open communication and decision-making that reinforce trust Support faculty development through mentorship and recognition Strengthen research and drive innovation Foster collaborative research, mentorship, and growth across career stages Encourage interdisciplinary partnerships within the University and broader neuroscience and engineering community Build relationships with Minnesota\'s medical technology ecosystem to advance translational science and clinical solutions Strengthen the department\'s national profile through impactful research and leadership Advance education and support learners across the continuum Provide oversight for residency training and fellowship development Ensure high-quality teaching and case exposure across sites Support program directors and educators with clear expectations and development opportunities Strengthen assessment, feedback, and learner advancement systems Build philanthropic and industry partnerships Engage donors and translational research support Cultivate relationships with medical technology companies and research organizations 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 Minnesota. The candidate should have a record of accomplishment warranting appointment at the rank of Professor in the University of Minnesota Medical School. The ideal Head will demonstrate the following qualities: National or international recognition in neurological surgery with high-impact scholarly contributions Proven ability to develop and expand clinical programs while maintaining high standards of care Track record securing competitive research funding At least ten years of progressive leadership in an academic medical setting with mentorship and program design Success advancing departmental or institutional goals with multidisciplinary leadership Strong fiscal management and resource alignment Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills Collaborative leadership style that builds trust across departments and health system entities Professionalism, judgment, high EQ, and organizational savvy Commitment to mentoring junior faculty and trainees 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. The regional campus in Duluth partners with CentraCare to improve rural healthcare access, and the campus in St. Cloud offers broad patient experiences. Founded in 1888, the Medical School has three campuses. The Department of Neurosurgery has a long history of innovation and clinical leadership, collaborating across multiple specialties and research partners. Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $833,333 - $1,000,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience. This role is dually employed by the University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Physicians. Academic and clinical salary details are provided, with total compensation expected to range from $833,333 to $1,000,000, plus potential annual bonus up to 20%. Time Appointment: 100% appointment. Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff. For benefits, the University offers a comprehensive package including wide-ranging options described on the HR site. How To Apply
Candidates must apply in two places to be fully considered: University of Minnesota Careers Portal (online application with cover letter and CV) and Isaacson, Miller Executive Search (CVs with cover letters). Applications submitted to only one platform will not be considered complete. Screening will begin immediately and continue until the search is closed. This position remains open until filled. For accommodations, email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity and Equal Opportunity
The University recognizes diversity and inclusion and is committed to equal access and opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, or other protected statuses. Learn more at the University diversity portal. Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Applicants must be eligible to work here; criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists. About the University
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, is a large public research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It emphasizes partnerships with health centers and other organizations and has a history of recognition for workplace excellence.
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