Director of Partnerships & Strategic Growth (Flagship Activation Lead)
Company: Zapp EV
Location: Los Angeles preferred / Hybrid (primarily in-office with travel required)
Start: June 2026
Structure: Contract-to-hire
About Zapp EV
Zapp EV is building a new kind of EV charging destination.
We are creating premium, high-functioning charging hubs that combine dependable infrastructure with a better customer experience, stronger brand presence, and real operational discipline. We are not approaching charging as a parking-lot utility — we are building flagship locations designed to feel intentional, trusted, and commercially relevant.
Our first flagship is a high-visibility proof point for the company, supporting charging, customer experience, partnerships, investor momentum, and long-term expansion.
Role Objective
The Director of Partnerships & Strategic Growth is responsible for planning, executing, and owning flagship activations, while building the partnerships and relationships that support those activations.
This is a hands-on execution role with leadership responsibility, not a passive relationship role.
The primary focus is event execution and activation, with partnerships and investor momentum supporting that work.
Primary Responsibility — Flagship Activations
You will own execution for:
- SF Electrify Expo / Demo Days (August)
- LA Auto Show (November)
Responsibilities include:
- full event planning and coordination
- partner and sponsor integration into activations
- on-site execution and quality control
- pre-event and post-event follow-through
This is the core KPI of the role.
Event Presence & Networking
- Attend and actively participate in industry events, conferences, and networking environments
- Represent Zapp EV in early-stage conversations and relationship-building contexts
- Build and maintain relationships through in-person engagement, not just digital outreach
- Identify and engage relevant partners, sponsors, and stakeholders at events
- Capture and follow up on leads generated through networking and event participation
Secondary Responsibility — Partnerships (Revenue + Strategic Relationships)
You will:
- build relationships with OEMs, automotive groups, energy stakeholders, and aligned brands
- secure sponsorships, co-marketing agreements, and partnership deals
develop relationships that can evolve into:
- commercial agreements
- brand integrations
- revenue-generating partnerships
convert conversations into structured, outcome-driven partnerships
This role is expected to create meaningful and monetizable relationships, not just connections.
Tertiary Responsibility — Series A & Investor Momentum
You will:
- support investor introductions and relationship progression
- help convert warm leads into active conversations
- contribute to overall perception of traction and credibility
Leadership & Team Responsibility
This role will:
- lead and supervise the Partnerships & Strategic Growth Associate
- own outbound workflows and relationship execution
- ensure consistent follow-through across all partnership activity
- establish the foundation for the partnerships and growth function
Hiring Structure
Phase 1 — Bridge Phase (Contract)
- Independent contractor / retainer
- $4,000–$6,000 per month
- Target baseline: $5,000 per month
Bridge Phase Scope:
- event planning and execution
- partnership outreach and coordination
- sponsor engagement
- investor pipeline support
- activation readiness
Incentives (Bridge Phase)
Performance-based, discretionary incentives tied to defined outcomes. No guaranteed compensation beyond the monthly retainer.
Event Execution Incentives (Primary)
- SF Electrify Expo: $3,000–$5,000
- LA Auto Show: $5,000–$10,000
Paid based on execution quality, readiness, partner integration, and post-event follow-through.
Partnerships & Sponsorship Incentives
- $1,000–$3,000 per qualified partnership or sponsorship outcome
- Monthly cap: $7,000
A qualified partnership is one that is formally agreed, materially aligned with the flagship, and contributes meaningfully to event execution, sponsorship, brand positioning, or revenue generation.
Investor Momentum Incentives
- $500 per qualified introduction that converts into an active meeting
- $1,000 for strong follow-on engagement
Conversion Bonus
- $5,000–$15,000 one-time discretionary bonus upon full-time conversion
- Based on performance and contribution during the contractor period
Phase 2 — Full-Time Conversion
Conversion may occur upon receipt of first Series A close funds (minimum threshold as defined by the Company).
At that point:
- Base salary: $140,000–$160,000 annual
- Full-time employment status
- performance-based incentives may continue
- equity participation subject to Board approval
No full-time salary prior to Series A close.
Work Environment & Expectations
You will regularly represent Zapp EV in live, external environments and should be comfortable initiating and maintaining relationships in those settings.
Benefits Upon Full-Time Conversion
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Standard employee benefit programs
Additional Benefits & Perks
(All benefits subject to company policy and availability)
What We’re Looking For
- Strong experience in partnerships, sponsorships, or business development
- Proven ability to execute events and activations
Experience in one or more of:
- automotive
- events
- energy / infrastructure
- premium consumer partnerships
Strong execution mindset — not just strategy
Comfortable working in a founder-led environment
Strong communicator with executive presence
Able to operate with minimal structure
What This Role Is Not
- Not a passive partnerships role
- Not a generic sales role
- Not a marketing-only role
- Not a strategy-only position
This is an execution-driven leadership role tied to real-world outcomes.
To Apply
Apply at:
https://www.zappforall.com/careers
or send materials to:
Careers@zappforall.com
Include:
- LinkedIn profile or resume
- summary of relevant experience
- examples of partnerships or activations you’ve led
- confirmation you are comfortable with contract-to-hire
Optional:
- short note on how you would approach flagship activation + partnerships
