Chair, Department of Neurosciences
Job Description
The Opportunity
Our organization is excited to announce a nationwide search for a distinguished, board-certified neurologist to take on the role of Chair for the Department of Neurosciences at the Sanford School of Medicine (SSOM) in Sioux Falls. This department encompasses faculty specializing in both neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
The SSOM employs a community-based faculty model, engaging clinician educators from the three primary hospital systems in South Dakota. Currently, the department boasts 46 neurologists and 17 specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation, covering a broad spectrum of sub-specialties. These faculty members provide clinical services throughout the state, alongside an additional 30 adjunct faculty from diverse fields such as nursing, bioethics, pharmacy, psychology, and chaplaincy.
In 2023, the organization launched an accredited four-year neurology residency program, welcoming its inaugural class of three residents. Training occurs at the Sanford USD Medical Center, a level-one trauma facility located on the SSOM campus, with further training opportunities available at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center. This residency program is the sole one of its kind in South Dakota. Additionally, medical students can participate in a neurology clerkship and various electives.
The Position
The Chair of the Department of Neurosciences will be a highly regarded, board-certified academic neurologist with prior leadership experience in a medical school or a comparable setting. This individual should possess a proven track record as a leader, educator, clinician, and researcher. While the position is based in Sioux Falls, the Chair is expected to collaborate effectively with colleagues across the state, promoting the department's mission in both rural and urban settings.
Required Qualifications:
Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, or an equivalent accredited medical degree.
Board certified and residency-trained in neurology.
A minimum of eight years of clinical experience.
Recognized regionally and/or nationally for achievements in clinical, educational, and/or scholarly activities that would qualify for an advanced academic appointment at our organization.
Ability to work collaboratively with academic and clinical faculty, medical students, and residents.
Dedication to providing holistic care to patients from diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to serving both rural and urban communities, as well as to inter-professional education.
Eligibility to obtain a medical license and hospital privileges to practice in South Dakota.
Further details regarding specific responsibilities and qualifications, along with additional information about the position and the SSOM, can be found in the leadership profile.
Application and Nomination Process
We invite interested candidates to engage in a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity. To ensure full consideration, nominations and application materials should be submitted by the target date of June 25, 2026.
Application materials must include:
A letter of interest that directly addresses the items outlined under The Position, as well as the Strategic Priorities detailed in the Leadership Profile.
A comprehensive curriculum vitae.
The names, phone numbers, and email addresses of five references, along with an indication of your professional relationship with each. No references will be contacted without prior consent from the candidate.
Please include your personal email and mobile number. All candidate identities will remain confidential, except for those selected for finalist interviews.
Application and nomination materials should be submitted electronically through the AGB Search portal. For nominations and expressions of interest, please reach out to the AGB Search team:
Cody Futch, MBA
AGB Search Principal
Garry W. Owens, Ph.D.
AGB Search Senior Executive Search Consultant
