NNELS Product Lead (1 Position)

About Us

The BC Libraries Cooperative (BCLC) is a mission-driven non-profit cooperative that helps libraries help people.

Our 200+ members include public and post-secondary libraries and institutions across Canada. We provide libraries and related organizations with the services, cost savings, and support they need to do great work in their communities. We provide several online services for our members which include a focus on using open-source technology and systems, as well as produce content in a variety of alternative and accessible formats, to support people in Canada with print disabilities.

The BCLC houses the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) which is a digital library of books in accessible formats for readers with print disabilities. When people request books that do not yet exist in accessible formats, our job is to produce them. NNELS is funded by 8 provincial and territorial governments, as well as the federal government. For more information, please visit the NNELS Website.

The BCLC has a distributed workforce of over 40 people working across three time zones. Visit this link for a detailed overview of our work at the BCLC.

About the Role

Reporting to the NNELS Manager, the Product Lead is responsible for tactically leading the development, implementation, and ongoing operation of the NNELS service platform. Acting as the primary point of contact for technical development and staff that utilize the platform, this role bridges coordination between the NNELS Manager, Developers and the Systems Team, and the Outreach/Support and Content/Production staff.

The Product Lead will guide the continuous improvement of NNELS digital tools, systems, and workflows, ensuring they are accessible for assistive technologies, stable, and responsive to user and partner library needs. This includes managing the NNELS.ca website and associated platforms, identifying system needs and improvements, coordinating implementation, and ensuring robust internal documentation and reporting processes on key performance measures and stats. This role supervises staff and contractors directly involved in technical development, website/content management, and Tier 1–2 technical support and works collaboratively with Outreach and Content staff on platform-related activities.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Technical Oversight

• Manage requirements and oversee the development and day-to-day technical operations of the NNELS digital platform (including nnels.ca, accessiblepublishing.ca, accessiblelibraries.ca)
• Supervise and coordinate the work of internal and external developers, ensuring timely delivery, quality, and adherence to accessibility standards
• Collaborate closely with the BCLC Systems Team to plan and guide software development, platform improvements, integrations, and service availability/uptime.
• Monitor system performance, including authentication processes and integrations with external Integrated Library Systems (ILS) APIs
• Coordinate acceptance testing, code reviews, and release cycles with developers and the NNELS team, and ensure the platform is accessible with assistive technologies

Client Service

• Supervise staff providing support to libraries and users and work with technical staff and developers to solve complex issues
• Ensure technical training and support documentation is developed, maintained, and updated as systems evolve
• Work closely with the NNELS core team to meet expectations for new content and library adoptions, including related software or systems
• Analyze user feedback, usage data, and trends to understand needs and to inform the priorities for the service
• Develop and maintain technical training and support documentation
• Oversee website and platform content to ensure it remains accurate and current, including resources, forms, and FAQs, delegating updates as appropriate

Team Leadership and Administration

• Provide supervision, guidance, and performance feedback to staff/contractors supporting platform development, content management, and technical support
• Work collaboratively with Outreach and Content/Production staff to ensure digital platforms meet service needs and support library adoption
• Track technical development timelines, risks, and deliverables, and communicate progress and issues clearly to the NNELS Manager and BCLC Systems Team
• Assist in managing project budgets related to software development and digital infrastructure
• Represent NNELS in conversations with technology vendors and partners
• Provide regular updates to the NNELS Manager on the use of the NNELS platform
• Compile monthly reports on service usage and system performance
• Assist in administrative duties related to technology contracts, invoicing, and partner coordination
• Provide additional administrative assistance and support to the NNELS Manager as needed
• Other duties as assigned by NNELS and BCLC management

Qualifications

• A combination of education and experience in technology, product management, digital media, or a related field
• Proven experience managing technical products or services, ideally in the nonprofit or library sectors
• Demonstrated ability to define, document, and manage complex system requirements and improvements
• Strong project management skills, including experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing competing priorities
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Data driven with strong analytical skills with the ability to define measurements of success and impact of a product
• Experience with digital repositories, content management systems (e.g., Drupal, WordPress), or similar platforms, with a working understanding of relational databases
• Experience with accessibility standards, user-centered design, and inclusive service delivery
• Knowledge of cloud storage and integration with external systems or APIs
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft 365, project management software)
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals and groups in a distributed and remote work environment

Compensation

• This is a full-time (35 hours per week) permanent position
• Anticipated start date is October 2025
• The compensation range is $80,000 - $90,000/yr depending on experience
• The BCLC has family friendly workplace policies including generous annual vacation allotment of four (4) weeks, a week’s closure in late December, and a flexible work culture that supports staff well-being
• There will be a three (3) month probation period starting the first day of employment
• After a 60-day holdback period, the successful candidate will be enrolled in an employer-paid extended medical and dental package for employees and their dependents that includes a health spending account
• After six (6) months, the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Municipal Pension Plan, a defined pension plan

Must provide own internet and computer. The BCLC operates as a "bring your own device" (BYOD) environment, requiring contractors and employees to supply and maintain their own suitable equipment.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application (in an accessible format) to office@bc.libraries.coopwith the email subject line “Product Lead”. The application deadline is September 14, 2025.

Submission format: When submitting your application please name and save your attachments in WORD or PDF format with your first and last name in the title, such as: “FirstnameLastname Resume Product Lead.pdf” and “FirstnameLastname Cover Letter Product Lead.pdf”.

**Please note: Applicants are kindly requested to submit their resume and cover letter in an accessible format. Please refer to the following checklist for detailed instructions.

Candidates must clearly indicate how they meet the position requirements.

We thank all applicants in advance, however only applicants living in and authorized to work in Canada will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Interviews with short-listed candidates will be held virtually (via Microsoft Teams or Zoom).

The hiring process will consist of one (1) or two (2) interviews and reference checks.

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. We encourage women, people with disabilities, people of Indigenous ancestry, people of colour, LGBTQQIP2SAA individuals and members of other diverse communities to apply for careers with our organization.