Head, Department of Neurosurgery
About the Job
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.
Position Overview
The Head of Neurosurgery 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.
Key Opportunities
- Set a clear strategic direction for academic neurosurgery
- 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
- Expand clinical programs and regional reach
- Create a cohesive, engaged faculty culture
- Strengthen research and drive innovation
- Advance education and support learners across the continuum
- Build philanthropic and industry partnerships
Qualifications
- Hold an MD or DO degree, be board-certified in Neurological Surgery, and be eligible for medical licensure in the state of Minnesota
- Record of accomplishment that warrants appointment at the rank of Professor in the University of Minnesota Medical School
- 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
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.
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 and Benefits
Pay Range: $833,333 – $1,000,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
- 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