Senior SAR Program Manager

xAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

We are looking for a SAR Program Manager with direct experience in FinCrimes investigations to join X Payments and support the development of our brand-new BSA/AML Compliance program. This is an in-office role preferably based in NYC. You will report directly to the BSA/AML Program Lead.

• →Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the end-to-end SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) program, including investigation workflows, quality assurance, filing processes, and escalation protocols.
• →Apply hands-on experience in financial crimes investigations to build and refine SAR investigation operational procedures that align with BSA/AML, OFAC, and other applicable regulations and industry best practices.
• →Design and optimize compliance case review and SAR investigation operational procedures to ensure regulatory compliance, consistency, and efficiency.
• →Continuously review SAR and monitoring processes; recommend and implement enhancements to improve efficiency, reduce false positives, strengthen detection of suspicious activity, and elevate overall program effectiveness.
• →Demonstrate deep regulatory knowledge of BSA/AML/OFAC, combined with strong process and systems design, communication, and data analytics skills.
• →Build tactical and scalable solutions for SAR investigation teams to manage high-volume compliance tasks and associated risks.
• →Draft and maintain all relevant SAR program documentation, policies, procedures, and training materials in accordance with regulatory updates, new product launches, and Compliance team standards.
• →Collaborate cross-functionally to develop and track key health metrics for the SAR program; analyze trends and patterns in investigations; and produce monthly metrics and reports for presentation to leadership and various forums.

• 7+ years of progressive experience in financial crimes compliance, with direct, hands-on experience conducting and/or leading FinCrimes investigations.
• Proven track record as a SAR Program Manager or in a senior SAR investigations leadership role, including designing and managing SAR processes from intake through filing.
• Deep expertise in SAR investigation processes, regulatory requirements (BSA, AML, OFAC), and industry best practices.
• Analytical and metrics-driven mindset with the ability to anticipate problems and develop complete, practical solutions.
• Strong collaborator who works effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders at all levels of seniority.
• Preferred: Direct experience managing or supporting 504 NYDFS requirements.
• Preferred: Background in money transfer, fintech, payments, or regulated financial services environments.
• Nice to have: CAMS or other relevant industry certifications (e.g., CFE, CRCM).
• Nice to have: Basic SQL skills or experience working with transaction monitoring / case management systems.

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.