Chairperson, Department of Health Systems Management

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Hospital: Rush University

Department: Health Systems Management- College of Health Sciences

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (

Pay Range: $200,000 - $275,000 per year
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:

Rush University, a nationally recognized leader in health sciences education, seeks an exceptional academic and administrative innovator to serve as Chairperson of the Department of Health Systems Management (HSM) . This is a rare opportunity for a visionary healthcare executive-scholar to shape the future of one of the nation’s premier health systems management programs.

The ideal candidate is a distinguished leader who seamlessly integrates academic excellence with real-world healthcare management expertise. This individual will strengthen and elevate the department’s national prominence, drive growth in health systems science research and scholarship, and cultivate a thriving environment where faculty, learners, and alumni can excel. They will champion innovation, advance a forward-looking strategic agenda, and position Rush HSM as the destination of choice for developing future-ready healthcare leaders.

This leader serves as the strategic, academic, and administrative leader of the department, driving excellence in teaching, research, and service. Core responsibilities include overseeing high-quality graduate programs, curriculum development, and accreditation compliance, while championing innovative and interdisciplinary education. The Chair also leads faculty recruitment, mentorship, evaluation, and promotion processes, and advances a robust research agenda spanning health policy, healthcare management, and population health - including fostering grant funding, scholarly output, and partnerships with government and healthcare organizations.

On the operational side, the Chair manages the departmental budget, staffing, and infrastructure while ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements. Beyond internal administration, the role carries a strong external engagement component, building relationships with healthcare organizations, policymakers, and community partners to strengthen the department's national and international reputation and support meaningful public health impact.

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, this leader serves as the department’s chief academic and operational officer and represents HSM across the College, the University, and the national healthcare community.

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, DHA, DBA, or equivalent) or equivalent experience in Health Services Research, Health Policy, Public Health, Business/Health Administration, Health Systems Management, or a related field. Credentials supporting appointment at the Associate or Full Professor rank
• 10–12 years of progressive healthcare management and leadership experience
• Minimum 5 years in academic roles with teaching and curriculum development responsibilities
• Demonstrated success in program leadership, faculty management, or academic administration
• Proven record in strategic planning, organizational development, and leading change in complex healthcare environments
• Experience overseeing budgets, financial performance, and resource allocation
• Successful recruitment, development, and retention of faculty
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams
• Strong teaching background with evidence of instructional innovation and effective student mentorship
• Active scholarly agenda with peer-reviewed publications in healthcare management, health services research, or related fields
• Experience in curriculum design, assessment, and accreditation
• Commitment to evidence-based management education and practice

Preferred Qualifications

Distinguished Credentials

• Fellow of ACHE (FACHE) or equivalent distinction
• Current or prior appointment at Full Professor rank
• Record of securing external research funding (federal, foundation, or industry)
• Experience serving on boards for healthcare, professional, or community organizations
• 5–7 years in senior healthcare executive roles (Director level or above) within hospitals, health systems, consulting firms, or related settings

Specialized Expertise in one or more:

• Health system strategy and operations
• Value-based care and payment transformation
• Healthcare analytics and performance improvement
• Leadership development and organizational behavior
• Health policy and advocacy
• Digital health and innovation management
• Population health and care delivery redesign

Academic Leadership Experience

• Previous leadership as department chair, program director, or associate/assistant dean
• Experience leading accreditation processes for graduate health administration programs
• Success in fundraising and philanthropic support for academic initiatives
• Experience advancing program rankings and strategic positioning

Application Instructions

Candidates and nominators are encouraged to submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae to:

Contact Name: Dr. Jason S. Turner, Rush University Dean of the College of Health Sciences

Contact Email: [email protected]

Rush University

Rush University is a private, nonprofit academic health sciences institution located in the Illinois Medical District. Rush University is the academic home of Rush University Medical Center, a $3.3B integrated academic health system distinguished for clinical excellence, research innovation, community commitment, and nationally recognized efforts in health equity.

About the College of Health Sciences

The Rush University College of Health Sciences (CHS) prepares graduate students for leadership roles across clinical and administrative disciplines. With more than 1,000 students enrolled annually, CHS emphasizes:

• Academic excellence and rigorous graduate education
• Interprofessional learning and clinical integration
• Faculty scholarship, research, and innovation
• Preparing graduates to lead across hospitals, health systems, consulting firms, insurance organizations, government, and nonprofit sectors

About the Department of Health Systems Management

The Department of Health Systems Management houses the Master of Science in Health Systems Management, ranked #5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The program includes both a Residential Track for early-career professionals and an Executive Track for mid-career leaders.
Distinguishing features include:

• A Teacher-practioner model taught by senior healthcare executives
• Strong clinical and operations partnerships across the Rush health system
• Applied learning and real-world immersion through a small cohort model
• Exceptional employment outcomes and employer engagement nationally Extensive relationships with Chicago-area health systems and industry organizations
  

Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.