University Southern California Trojans
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Deputy Athletic Director, External / Chief of Staff
- Email:
Jay Hilbrands was hired in 2023 as Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations and Chief of Staff at the University of Southern California, where he serves as a key member of the department’s executive leadership team. In this role, Hilbrands provides strategic oversight of external operations, including development, communications and public relations, branding, marketing and advertising, and overall revenue generation. He partners closely with Director of Athletics Jen Cohen on department-wide priorities, organizational strategy, and internal alignment.
Hilbrands also serves as the football sport administrator, working closely with Head Coach Lincoln Riley and General Manager Chad Bowden as the day-to-day liaison between the program and the Director of Athletics.
Prior to USC, Hilbrands spent nearly six years at the University of Washington, where he rose to Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations. As a senior leader in Seattle, he directed comprehensive external strategy and served as the football sport administrator, overseeing all facets of the program. During his tenure, he played an integral role in the onboarding of head football coach Kalen DeBoer, working closely with DeBoer to support program alignment, operational strategy, and sustained success.
Before his time at Washington, Hilbrands held leadership roles at the University of Northwestern (Minn.) from 2015–2018, following a graduate assistantship at Grand Canyon University. Throughout his career, Hilbrands has built a reputation for driving innovation in revenue generation, brand development, and strategic storytelling, while fostering strong relationships across campus, conference, and industry stakeholders. His leadership has contributed to enhanced organizational performance, creative problem-solving, and a culture of collaboration and accountability.
A native of Clara City, Minnesota, Hilbrands holds a Master’s Degree from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor’s from Bethel University (Minn.), where he was a four-year letterwinner in football. He and his wife, Caitie, reside in Manhattan Beach with their sons, Birk (4) and Brady (2).
