Senior Counsel, Sanctions and Trade Compliance
WFA Digital Insight
As demand for compliance experts in the tech industry grew 25% in 2025, Openai is seeking a seasoned Senior Counsel to lead its sanctions compliance program. With the increasing complexity of global trade regulations, professionals with expertise in sanctions law and compliance are in high demand. Openai, a pioneer in AI research, offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the evolving landscape of US and international sanctions laws and the importance of embedding compliance into business workflows. With a strong understanding of compliance and a passion for innovative technology, the right candidate will thrive in this role.
Job Description
About the Role
The Senior Counsel, Sanctions and Trade Compliance, will play a critical role in managing and evolving Openai's sanctions compliance program. This involves developing an overall compliance strategy, designing screening architecture and workflow, and collaborating with cross-functional teams on monitoring, metrics, and continuous improvement. As a key member of the Security Legal team, the Senior Counsel will work closely with colleagues from diverse fields, including technology, AI, privacy, IP, corporate, employment, tax law, regulatory, and litigation.The role requires a deep understanding of US and international sanctions laws and the ability to develop and implement compliance programs at a global scale. The Senior Counsel will be responsible for advising cross-functional teams on compliance and legal requirements applicable to Openai's products and services. This includes developing sanctions compliance strategies and processes, partnering with teams to implement sanctions screening and controls, and owning compliance documentation and reporting.
As a global technology leader, Openai operates across jurisdictions and products, necessitating a comprehensive and adaptable compliance program. The Senior Counsel will need to stay abreast of evolving sanctions regulations and ensure that Openai's compliance systems and tools are seamless, reliable, and adaptable.
What You Will Do
- Advise cross-functional teams on compliance and legal requirements applicable to Openai's products and services under US and international sanctions regimes
- Develop sanctions compliance strategies and processes at a global scale for a frontier AI company operating across jurisdictions and products
- Partner closely with cross-functional teams across Finance, Integrity, GRC, and Engineering to implement sanctions screening and controls
- Own compliance documentation and reporting, including policies, standards, dashboards, metrics, and escalation frameworks
- Work with cross-functional teams to deeply understand and integrate compliance systems and tools
- Lead ongoing reviews and risk assessments to ensure the continued effectiveness of compliance controls and processes
- Manage and coordinate vendors and other third parties who support Openai's compliance operations
- Assist in the development of trade compliance training materials for cross-functional partners and business teams
- Explore and deploy AI tools to enhance and streamline Openai's trade compliance efforts
What We Are Looking For
- 10+ years of experience in the trade compliance field, including developing and implementing trade compliance programs at a large, technology-focused company
- A J.D. from an accredited law school and an active license to practice law in at least one US jurisdiction
- A sophisticated understanding of how US and international sanctions laws apply to multinational US companies
- Proven ability to embed comprehensive compliance programs into complex business workflows without slowing innovation
- Strong program management skills, including organizing complex systems, tasks, processes, and documentation
- Excellent communication skills to build trust with cross-functional teams, from engineers to business leaders
- Ability to learn new systems and become the go-to expert in systems and technical tools required for the job
- A strong sense of ownership, inquisitive and enthusiastic about technology, and able to demonstrate sound judgment in ambiguous situations
Nice to Have
- Experience with AI tools and technologies to enhance trade compliance efforts
- Knowledge of emerging trends and regulations in sanctions and trade compliance
- Certification in trade compliance or a related field
- Experience working in a remote or hybrid work environment
Benefits and Perks
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous PTO and sick leave policy
- Remote work options with a hybrid model of 3 days in the office per week
- Relocation assistance for new employees
- Professional development opportunities and access to industry conferences and training
- Equity and stock options as part of the compensation package
- Access to the latest technologies and tools to support your work
How to Stand Out
- Develop a strong understanding of US and international sanctions laws and regulations to stand out in the application process.
- Highlight your experience with trade compliance programs and your ability to adapt to evolving regulations.
- Showcase your skills in program management, including organizing complex systems and processes.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams and your ability to communicate complex compliance issues.
- Consider obtaining certifications in trade compliance or related fields to demonstrate your expertise.
- Be prepared to discuss how you stay current with emerging trends and regulations in sanctions and trade compliance.
- Show enthusiasm for technology and a willingness to learn new systems and tools.
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