Head, Department of Neurosurgery

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 & 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 reach
  • Direct 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

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.

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.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School was formally established in 1937 and quickly rose to national prominence. Under the leadership of pioneers in the field, the Department became known for groundbreaking contributions to the practice of neurosurgery. Among its notable achievements were the introduction of dexamethasone into neurosurgical practice, early procedures for transthoracic correction of spinal deformity, important advances in the understanding of brain death, and laboratory work that led to the development of nimodipine for treating cerebral University of Minnesota Medical School Head, Department of Neurosurgery Page 3 of 15 vasospasm. In 1996, the department also became one of the first in the United States to establish an intraoperative MRI facility, further cementing its reputation for innovation. Over its more than 75-year history, the University of Minnesota's neurosurgery program has trained generations of neurosurgeons who went on to lead departments across the country, making it a cornerstone of neurosurgical education and research. Today, the Department of Neurosurgery provides clinical care, education, and research across the full range of neurological diseases. Neurosurgeons at the University of Minnesota Medical School collaborate closely with multiple specialties and research partners, both within the Medical School and across the broader university and the Twin Cities.

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 Salary (University of Minnesota):
Salary for the Professor role is dependent upon academic effort and begins at $55,000.

Clinical Salary (University of Minnesota Physicians):
Clinical compensation is aligned with clinical effort and provided through University of Minnesota Physicians.

Total Compensation:
The combined salary for academic effort, clinical effort, and department head responsibilities is competitive with market benchmarks and based on AAMC salary data.
Total annual compensation is expected to range from $833,333 to $1,000,000, with the potential for an annual bonus of up to 20%.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Candidates must apply in two places to be fully considered:

University of Minnesota Careers Portal
Complete the online application through the University of Minnesota Careers site (the posting you are currently viewing), including submission of a cover letter and CV.

Isaacson, Miller Executive Search
Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters must also be submitted through the Isaacson, Miller website:
https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-minnesota-medical-school/head-department-neurosurgery

This executive search is led by Stephanie Fidel, Partner; Jamie Sands, Partner; Erin Schwass, Senior Associate; and Lily Sethares, Senior Search Coordinator at Isaacson, Miller.

Applications submitted to only one of these platforms will not be considered complete.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).