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 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…