Artificial Intelligence Solutions Intern

About the Organization:

It is an exciting time at the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) as we continue to undertake our mission. We know that creating long term solutions to food security requires more than meals. It requires education, training, and collaboration. We are seeking people with strong ideas and a passion to come together to address the complex interrelated issues of food security, poverty, and equity. We are expanding in multiple ways: providing food for today and addressing the root causes of hunger by partnering with organizations that provide critical services like job training programs, health care and education. Food has the power to transform lives and move everyone forward. Find out how on our website at capitalareafoodbank.org. Let us discuss how food is at the center of everyone's healthy life!

Description:

We are seeking a motivated and mission-driven intern to support the research, design, and implementation of AI-driven solutions to enhance access to charitable food across the Washington DC region and enhance CAFB’s partner-facing customer service function. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply technical skills to solve real-world problems while making a meaningful impact on food insecurity.

The Artificial Intelligence Solutions Intern will play a key support role in advancing one or more of the Capital Area Food Bank’s (CAFB) target initiatives in 2025 for leveraging AI and analytics to augment its impact in the community. The two initiatives are:

1. An after-hours/overflow agent for CAFB’s Hunger Lifeline, which connects food insecure community members with CAFB partners who distribute food in their neighborhoods, with the intent of increasing CAFB’s reach among the unserved food insecure population
2. An augmentation of CAFB’s online ticketing system for network partners (agencies that procure food and other resources from the food bank and then sub-distribute into the community), with the intent of improving efficiency and enhancing insights for CAFB’s customer service team.

Essential Functions:

Plan and Implement AI-based Solutions to Enhance CAFB’s Impact (90%)

• Document processes and create user guides for non-technical stakeholders.
• Support the design, prototyping, and refinement of AI- or analytics-based solutions tied to one or both of CAFB’s 2025 strategic initiatives:
• Assist in gathering and analyzing user requirements through interviews, observation, or feedback from CAFB staff, partners, or clients.
• Conduct research on relevant AI technologies (e.g., conversational AI, recommendation systems, analytics dashboards) and assess their applicability to CAFB’s needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify key data sources, clean and prepare data, and explore insights that inform design decisions.
• Build and test functional components or end-to-end MVPs using appropriate tools and frameworks (e.g., Python, cloud services, chatbot platforms).
• Support implementation efforts by integrating solutions into existing workflows, collecting user feedback, and iterating based on performance and usability.
• Contribute to wireframes, prototypes, or model mockups that demonstrate potential solution pathways.
• Document project work, including key decisions, workflows, and technical recommendations for future implementation or handoff.

Assist with Other Strategic Initiatives (10%)

• As needed, assist with other projects in the Strategic Initiatives portfolio.

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Computer Science, Data Science, AI/ML, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and/or conversational AI technologies (e.g., chatbots, language models), including hands-on experience developing and deploying related systems
• Clear, concise communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

Other Skills, Abilities:

• Strong interest in the application of AI, analytics, and digital tools to address social impact and public service challenges.
• Experience with data analysis, user interface prototyping, or process mapping in support of operational tools or customer service systems.
• Familiarity with tools such as Python, SQL, and cloud-based platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud) is a plus.
• Self-starter with a collaborative mindset and openness to iterative design and feedback. Ability to engage respectfully with individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated interest in social impact, food systems, healthcare innovation, and/or public policy.
• A strong commitment to the mission of the Capital Area Food Bank.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Physical activities involve sitting for 80% of the workday.
• Ability to attend in-person at the food bank’s Washington DC office three days per week.
• Rarely, the ability to travel to sites as needed throughout the metropolitan area.

Reporting:

• The Artificial Intelligence Solutions Intern will report to the Strategic Initiatives Manager
• The Artificial Intelligence Solutions Intern will also collaborate with and support other key stakeholders who are responsible for the implementation of IT and programmatic enhancements at the food bank, including the Business Application and Data Administrator, the Customer Service Manager, and Front Desk Lead.

Compensation:

• $20.00 an hour
• This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Schedule:

• Hybrid schedule available
• Regular work hours are generally Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break; with weekends or extended hours for special events

NOTE: Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

We Offer: At Capital Area Food Bank, we understand that great people make a great organization. We value our people and offer employees a broad range of benefits including competitive compensation and benefits, free onsite parking, complimentary shuttle to metro, professional development, growth, and volunteer opportunities, fun work in a diverse environment 

Application Process:

• Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

EEO Statement:
Capital Area Food Bank welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for all our employees. CAFB makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, reproductive health decision making or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at CAFB. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.